Why Alonso thinks Verstappen is the best driver in Formula 1

The Aston Martin driver was full of admiration for his fellow world champion as he watched along in the TV Pen during Verstappen's qualifying run to pole at the Japanese Grand Prix. When Alonso appeared before the media, he insisted that 'only he can do this'.

Alonso, who won the F1 drivers' title in 2005 and 2006 with Renault, has long been an admirer of Verstappen and asked by GPBlog about the Dutchman, he explained: ‘’I think he is the best, I have been saying this for a number of years.

Verstappen's victory in Japan came despite the feeling that Red Bull's RB21 is subpar compared to its competition.

Despite this, Verstappen is just one point behind Lando Norris in the drivers' standings as he aims for a fifth world title.

‘’There have been periods of dominance in the last twenty years in Formula 1," added Alonso. "Great teams and drivers, but the victories were a little bit on the easy side.