“Max Verstappen breaks everyone”: Dutch racer credits Max Verstappen’s incredible H2H record against teammates

Dutch racer Tom Coronel appreciated Max Verstappen for his impeccable performance against his teammates in Red Bull. He claimed that the drivers who drove alongside him "disappeared" over the course of the seasons.

Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive F1 World Championship after finishing P5 in Las Vegas last week. He was a strong contender for the title from early in the season. Red Bull had the dominating momentum from 2023 and was able to snatch victories up until the Spanish Grand Prix. Post this, however, their rivals were able to catch up with their pace.

Yet, Max Verstappen remained consistent and outscored his teammate Sergio Perez in all of the races. While RBR fell to third place in the WCC standings, the Dutchman was able to clinch the WCC. Meanwhile, Perez is speculated to be replaced next season given his subpar performances compared to Verstappen.

Tom Coronel considers this a positive development for the 27-year-old. He claimed that Verstappen "breaks" his teammate, giving the example of other drivers who drove alongside him but left or were replaced.

"Albon disappeared, Gasly disappeared, we see Checo disappear, and Ricciardo disappeared with his tail between his legs. There is no one close [to Max]. He breaks everyone," Coronel said (via Autosport).

Notably, Red Bull remained winless this season between Round 10 and Round 21. Within this period, Verstappen kept himself within the top 6 in race finishes, while Perez witnessed two retirements and four finishes out of points.

---

Fernando Alonso expects to "intimidate" Max Verstappen in 2026

Fernando Alonso congratulates Max Verstappen in Las Vegas (Getty Images)

Two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has locked himself up with Aston Martin in a multi-year contract. Also joining the team would be F1's "Aero Wizard" Adrian Newey, whose groundbreaking car designs revolutionized the sport and helped teams like Williams, McLaren and Red Bull to win championships.

He will join the team in 2025, giving a blank canvas for the 2026 season when the new regulations will be implemented. Moreover, the team will be powered by Honda. That, paired with Alonso's skills behind the wheel, could make for a very competitive team just like Max Verstappen in the Red Bull; who is exactly the driver Alonso wants to compete with.

Sharing his positive thoughts after Verstappen clinched his title in Vegas, Fernando Alonso said he hopes to be in a fight with the 27-year-old in 2026. He added that Verstappen's rivals haven't been able to "intimidate" him, but he wishes to change history's course.

"Congratulations to Max. I hope to be there in 2026," Alonso said (via Fastest Pitstop). "Everyone who has fought Max hasn't been able to intimidate him much. Hopefully it will be me [next] and I can change history."

Max Verstappen is likely to continue with Red Bull. He has a contract with the team till the 2028 season, and although the team seemingly lost their competitiveness this season, they might be able to get back in competition in the future.