Reigning two-time champion Max Verstappen has been a dominating force this year, winning five of the seven races held so far.
Verstappen's Red Bull team has swept all races this year, with Mexican teammate Sergio Perez claiming wins in Jeddah and Baku.
When asked if there was anyone besides himself that he would like to see crossing the finish line first, the Dutchman did not hesitate to mention Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.
"I like him, he's a real racer and I think he deserves it," Verstappen said.
The Dutchman noted that Alonso never gave up despite spending years driving in the midfield, and his love for the sport is very much obvious.
"He's a real racer, an animal. If you ask me one driver who I would like to see win a race this year, it's Fernando," the 24-year-old added.
Alonso is a two-time champion himself, winning the world titles in 2005 and 2006. He is currently the oldest driver in the grid at 41 and holds the F1 record for most race entries with 365.
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Fernando Alonso's 2023 Season Best in Years
More than a decade after his last Formula 1 victory, the 41-year-old driver is currently in the midst of his best campaign in years.
The 10-year anniversary of Fernando Alonso's last win in #F1 may be looming, but he's also enjoying his best season in years.
What motivates him? And why is he so enduring? If you want the answers to those questions, check out The Race F1 Podcast 🎧https://t.co/oYNWgRDUpx— The Race (@wearetherace) May 11, 2023
Before this season, he had only stepped on the podium once since July 2014, during the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix during his stint with Alpine.
This year, the Spanish driver has managed to step on the podium five times already, finishing P2 once during the Monaco Grand Prix.
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