Allan McNish names one current driver in his F1 dream team, and it’s not Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen

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Allan McNish has had an exceptional racing career, although Formula 1 fans might not be aware of his achievements.

Despite first testing a Formula 1 car in 1989, Allan McNish didn’t make his F1 debut until the 2002 season.

McNish, who has three class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and an FIA World Endurance Championship title victory under his belt, made his F1 bow with new team Toyota in 2002.

Hopes were high for Japanese manufacturing giant Toyota when they entered Formula 1, given the level of investment they had put into the project.

Scottish driver McNish was joined by Finnish star and former driver Mika Salo, but an underwhelming campaign where Toyota only scored two points – both thanks to Salo – saw the team refresh their line-up for the following season.

Rumours of a Toyota return to F1 have resurfaced in the last 12 months, particularly after they bolstered their partnership with Haas.

Even though McNish didn’t have the glittering Formula 1 career many expected, that’s not stopped him from taking a keen interest in what’s happening in the paddock.

McNish has held senior positions at Audi and has now named his F1 dream team if he were to ever own an outfit on the grid.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Allan McNish names Ayrton Senna and Fernando Alonso in his dream Formula 1 team

McNish was being interviewed on Lucas Stewart’s YouTube channel and was asked to name his Formula 1 dream team.

He said: “I grew up with Ayrton Senna, and he would have to be in there.

“And I think Fernando Alonso, and as a team principal, Frank [Williams] and Patrick [Head], actually as a combination because they were kind of strong characters.”

McNish was then asked to give his Mount Rushmore of F1 drivers and said: “I’ve got to put my Alonso, I’ve got to put my Senna.

“Someone that I think is exceptional in so many ways, Lewis Hamilton, and then if I go back into the previous era, someone that I never saw, but inspired generations of drivers coming through from my country, Jim Clark.”

Even though McNish never raced against Fernando Alonso, it’s no surprise he’s chosen the Aston Martin driver.

The two-time world champion might not have enjoyed the same success as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1, but his longevity alone makes him a legend of the sport.

READ MORE: Best moments of Fernando Alonso’s F1 career including first pole, podium, win, title and more

Fernando Alonso’s sacrifice to help Gabriel Bortoleto reach Formula 1

Alonso just turned 44, and there are a handful of drivers on the F1 grid now who weren’t alive when he made his debut in Melbourne in 2001.

One of those drivers is his protégé Gabriel Bortoleto, who is making his Formula 1 debut with Sauber this season.

The young Brazilian couldn’t have a better mentor, as McNish explained, Alonso is among the sport’s greatest drivers.

Bortoleto has explained the sacrifice Alonso made to help him reach F1 last season, with his precious spare time spent working with the youngster.

The pair followed each other home in fifth and sixth at the most recent Hungarian Grand Prix, with Bortoleto showing what a talent he is as he gets up to speed alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

Alonso’s contract expires next season, and if 2026 is his final year on the grid, he’s helped a driver who looks ready to continue his legacy.