Alonso understands Verstappen: "Harder for him because he's not British"

Fernando Alonso can relate to the situation of Max Verstappen, who he says faces additional challenges in his title fight against Lewis Hamilton.

Asked for his opinion on the press conference, in which Verstappen reacted strongly to yet another question about the incident between him and Hamilton, he says he understands his reaction. The Spaniard compares Verstappen's situation to his own in his title fights with Michael Schumacher in 2005 and 2006.

"I didn't see the press conference, but at the time I probably felt the same way as he did," Alonso said in the post-qualifying press conference to, among others Mundo Deportivo. "He's the young driver fighting a legend. Besides, he's not British, so it will always be more difficult for him."

The Alpine driver expects an exciting first round, especially between Verstappen and Hamilton. "I think it will be hot in front of us. Max will try to attack on the softs in the first meters against Bottas and Hamilton on the mediums," said Alonso.