John Watson says Max Verstappen would love to see one non-Red Bull driver win this season

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Formula 1 legend John Watson has suggested that Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen would love to see Fernando Alonso win this season.

Speaking on The F1 Pod from Off The Ball, Watson was discussing the Spanish veteran.

It’s been a remarkable season for the 41-year-old Spaniard in his first season as an Aston Martin driver.

Fernando Alonso currently sits third in the Drivers’ Championship after a sensational start to the year.

He’s already recorded six podiums in the first eight races.

Unfortunately, it would take a miracle to add to his list of titles due to the dominance of Red Bull.

However, Watson believes that Max Verstappen would be happy to see Alonso win this season.

The Dutch driver has already pulled out a 69-point lead over teammate Sergio Perez after the Mexican struggles in the past three races.

He’s been quickly caught up by Alonso who may find it difficult to believe he’s competing this closely with the rapid Red Bull cars.

Verstappen would be delighted to see Alonso win – Watson

Asked about the Aston Martin driver, Watson said: “I’ve been a big Fernando [Alonso] fan, regrettably he never won a Championship when he went to Ferrari.

“What he’s been doing this year at Aston Martin I had not anticipated. Whether it’s himself or the combined elements of the work and development and aerodynamics, Aston Martin is a transformed team.

“It’s come at the right time for Fernando Alonso because he’s been driving absolutely [brilliantly].

“Fernando has still got all that enthusiasm but he’s got all the motivation. He is so highly motivated right now, while I think the remaining part of the season will be dominated by Red Bull, it’ll be a matter of horses for courses.

“But I would love to see Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin stand on the winner’s podium at least once this year.

“And I don’t think Max Verstappen would be upset about it, I think he would be delighted to see his adversary do something as remarkable as win another Grand Prix in a youngish team.”

Verstappen is unlikely to hand Alonso a win at any point this season.

However, one team has never won every single race in an F1 campaign and eventually Red Bull have to slip up.

When they do, Alonso will hope he’s there to pounce, although Mercedes are now hot on their tails after their recent upgrades.

Whatever happens, Alonso is guaranteed to be on the grid for at least one more year with the British team.