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Stuck over possible Verstappen teammate Alonso better than Perez

Stuck knows who should be next to Verstappen: 'Would do better than Perez'

15 November 2023 at 21:30
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  • GPblog.com

In recent months and weeks, there has been a lot of talk about a possible teammate for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman, with his RB19, is currently in a lonely position in the world championship, which he already won in Qatar. Fernando Alonso's name as an ideal teammate has often been dropped, but he himself already waved away the rumours. Hans-Joachim Stuck, however, is keen to see it happen.

"Yes, we don't need to talk about Max Verstappen," Stuck told Eurosport while laughing. "He is the man of the moment, no doubt about it. But if you look at Alonso, the way he flies over the asphalt, I would love to see him in a Red Bull," said the German, who twice got to climb the podium after a Formula One race.

Stuck: 'Alonso closer to Verstappen than Perez'

"The way Alonso drives, the way he fights, is largely faultless and also brings the team forward, I would say he would come very, very close to Verstappen," explained the 72-year-old former driver. "I am convinced of that. Closer than Perez in any case, that's beyond doubt for me."

Perez, as the triple world champion's teammate this season, is facing a lot of criticism. The Mexican is often taken to task for his on-track crashes. Perez is second in the championship but must be careful that rival Lewis Hamilton does not suddenly pass him. With two races left on the calendar, a points difference of 32 will be enough, but you never know.

"There are a handful of people who I think can drive at Verstappen's level. Alonso is one hundred per cent one of them. I just think he is great," Stuck concludes.