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Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso was genuinely in awe of Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver produced a “magical moment” in qualifying to secure pole position for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who is currently eight points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, took a fourth successive Japanese GP pole on Saturday thanks to a remarkable final lap on the Suzuka Circuit.
Norris and Oscar Piastri had been leading the way for most of the weekend but in a dramatic twist, Verstappen produced a 1m 26.983s lap, beating Norris by just 0.012s as Piastri settled for third place on the grid.
I think there is no other driver at the moment that can drive a car and put it so high, or higher than the car deserves. It was a magical moment for everyone here.”
“He’s an outstanding driver,” Alonso added. “He’s proving it every weekend. Hats off for him. I think the lap he did today is only down to him.
“I think the car is clearly not at the level to fight for pole or even the top five. But he manages to do that magical laps and magical weekends. At the moment, he’s the best, he’s the reference for all of us, and we need to keep improving to reach that level.”
One said: “That has to be one of the best qualifying laps of Max Verstappen’s career. He was written off by so many coming into this season and yet he delivers time and time again. You know it was special when Fernando Alonso says ‘Only he can do it’.”
A second wrote: “Absolutely agree—what Fernando said highlights a rare kind of talent. When a driver consistently outperforms the machinery they’re given, it’s not just skill, it’s instinct, experience, and pure racecraft.”
A third commented: “Reminds me of the moment when Max was on a scorching lap in Qatar before he hit the wall. Alonso loves when anyone pushes the car beyond its limits. Only few people in the world can do it. Game recognises game.”
A fourth said: “The proud smile,” and a fifth added: “True driver acknowledges pure and raw talent. These two are the best true drivers on the grid.”
