Max Verstappen reveals guidance from former world champion during Lewis Hamilton battle

Max Verstappen prevails in world title shoot-out

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Max Verstappen has revealed which former F1 world champion resonates with him, and also helped him towards world title glory during the 2021 season. The Dutchman required a minor miracle to pass Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the year’s final race in Abu Dhabi, earning his maiden crown in the process. 

At just 24-years-old, Verstappen had to draw on every bit of talent and experience to pip Hamilton to the title in 2021. 

A favourable decision by FIA race director Michael Masi also helped him on his way, much to the dismay of the Mercedes garage as Hamilton saw his healthy lead wiped out with one lap remaining at Yas Marina. 

But Verstappen still had to execute the overtake on fresher tyres, and in typically fearless fashion, he passed his title rival and held off a spirited fightback to take the chequered flag. 

Such an audacious move up the inside could be considered reminiscent of Fernando Alonso during his title-winning years in 2005 and 2006. 

And Verstappen praised the Spaniard when asked by David Coulthard about which former champion has influenced him the most, adding that he has drawn on the 40-year-old’s guidance this year. 

“At the moment I have a really good relationship with Fernando [Alonso],” the Dutchman told the CarNext YouTube channel.

“I like his style, I like his attitude. His drive and motivation, at his age, always wanting to be the best and it’s remarkable to see.

“I would like to see him back at the front, he deserves it.

“It’s been really nice to talk to him and hear how he thinks about situations.”

Well into the twilight of his career and having come back from retirement, Alonso pipped team-mate Esteban Ocon to the top spot within the Alpine team in 2021. 

An eighth-place finish at Yas Marina rubber-stamped that, with a seven-point difference separating the pair who both held their own in mid-table when it came to the Drivers’ standings. 

Alonso’s talks with Verstappen may come as something of a surprise to Hamilton, given that he and the Alpine man spent a season together with McLaren. 

But in the pre-race press conference in Abu Dhabi, Alonso was forthcoming about who he felt deserved the title in 2021. 

“Mercedes has had the strongest car in recent races and should win in constructors, but Max is driving a step above the rest of the grid,” he claimed.

“Even more than the car gives him, and he deserves the title.”

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