Former racer Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Fernando Alonso is one of the few drivers who could challenge Max Verstappen in a title fight. According to Montoya, the Spanish former champion might be even ‘tougher’ than his Dutch competitor. However, it remains to be seen whether Alonso will ever get the chance to put Verstappen to the test – Montoya also realizes that retirement is approaching for the 44-year-old veteran.
Montoya looked ahead to the upcoming Formula 1 season in his MontoyAS podcast. If Aston Martin and star designer Adrian Newey manage to build a championship-worthy car, the Colombian sees opportunities for Alonso. “If Alonso eventually has a better car than Verstappen, you might wonder whether Max has the experience to spar with someone like him,” Montoya suggested.
‘Alonso is tougher than Verstappen’
“At the moment, Max is mentally very strong – everything falls into place and it works,” explained the seven-time race winner. “But what if he faces an Alonso? If he has a real chance to win the title, he will always go to the limit. As we say in Colombia: ‘Alonso is tougher than Verstappen'”, Montoya said. “When it comes down to it, he doesn’t back down from anything.”
The question is whether that title fight will ever happen. The Spaniard has flirted with retirement more than once in the past year. “Alonso is really waiting to see what happens with next year’s car,” Montoya also knows. “We are all curious about what Adrian Newey is going to create.” Earlier, Alonso said he sees 2026 as his last season for now, although he does not completely rule out a contract extension. The two-time champion wants to end on a high; if the car disappoints next year, there is a good chance he will stay until 2027. “Fernando wants to give them another year or two, I think,” Montoya concluded. “If next year is disappointing, he might stay another season – especially if he sees things going in the right direction. After all, you don’t pass up a chance at the title.”
