28/05/2023
NEWS STORY
Monaco pole-man, Max Verstappen admits that, like many, he would like to see Fernando Alonso win in Monaco.
Having edged out the Spaniard by 0.084s in the final moments of the session, courtesy of a dramatic do-or-die final sector, over the course of which he hit the barriers on several occasions, the world champion was in an unusually good mood at the subsequent press conference.
So much so, that when Alonso suggested he give him a helping hand, the Red Bull driver admitted that he wanted to see the Spaniard score his first F1 win since Barcelona in 2013.
"I think we need the help from Max," smiled Alonso, "but we cannot take it for granted that all three cars will finish the race with no issues. This is Monaco and it's going to be demanding."
"I mean, I like to see Fernando win," laughed Verstappen in response, "but I also like to see myself win. It's a tough one, I'll think about it."
"I grew up watching Fernando in F1," he added, "and I liked his style, and for him to still be here at 41 it's very impressive and I think it's a great example for people out there.
"If you stay committed and believe in yourself, believe in the opportunities that come to you, then you can show something like he's doing right now. But, of course, you need also a lot of natural raw talent with that."
Meanwhile, Alonso admitted that he is delighted to have a new generation of F1 see him in action, particularly as he spent so many years in less competitive machinery.
"Maybe they only saw me fighting for Q3s or something like that or retiring in the race with some smoke at the back," said the Spaniard.
"So, now I think they are surprised that they see me fighting a little bit towards the front."
On a more serious note, Alonso admitted that he took "uncomfortable risks" in trying for pole position.
"I think in Q3 we were increasing the level of risk into an uncomfortable level," he said. "Both laps were a bit over the limit sometimes but everything went fine.
"It's a long race," he added, "I don't think that overtaking opportunities will come at all as it is Monaco. It is a very demanding race, on the car, on the gearbox, on the brakes, there are a lot of things that you need to care of over 78 laps. So we have to be focussed, very concentrated, we have to be sharp on the strategy, pit stops, you know anything can happen.
"If an opportunity comes, we will take it," he smiled.
Check out our Saturday gallery from Monaco here.