Fernando Alonso Hails Max Verstappen's 'Magical' Suzuka Pole Lap: 'Only He Can Do It'

Alonso Stunned by Verstappen's 'Magical' Performance

Fernando Alonso was left spellbound after witnessing Max Verstappen's breathtaking pole position lap during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The reigning world champion defied expectations with a scintillating performance that edged out championship favorite Lando Norris by a mere 0.012 seconds.

A Moment of Pure Disbelief

Pausing his media commitments in the paddock, the Aston Martin veteran watched in awe as Verstappen pulled off what he later described as a "magical" lap. Alonso's reaction spoke volumes - shaking his head in disbelief before breaking into laughter when speaking to ViaPlay: "Only he can do it," the two-time world champion admitted.

The Verstappen Phenomenon

Alonso was effusive in his praise during post-qualifying interviews: "He's proving it every weekend... The lap he did today is only down to him. The car is clearly not at the level to fight for pole or even the top five. But he manages to produce these magical laps."

• Performance Gap: Verstappen's performance contrasted sharply with new teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who qualified 15th
• Car Challenges: Despite Red Bull's RB21 being described as "troublesome" by Verstappen this season
• Historical Context: The Dutchman's Suzuka pole adds to his growing legacy after 2024's dominant championship

The Verstappen Standard

Alonso, regarded as one of modern F1's greatest talents, conceded Verstappen has set a new benchmark: "At the moment, he's the best, he's the reference for all of us." This comes as Red Bull's car has reportedly fallen behind McLaren and Ferrari in performance this season, making Verstappen's achievements even more remarkable.