Pedro de la Rosa, the current Global Ambassador for the Aston Martin Formula 1 team, has identified Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso as his two favourite drivers in the sport. De la Rosa, a veteran of over 100 Grands Prix, cited specific attributes that place both drivers in an elite category.
De la Rosa’s extensive career in Formula 1, which included stints as a race driver for teams such as Arrows, Jaguar, McLaren, Sauber, and HRT, provides him with a comprehensive perspective on driver talent. He also served as a highly experienced test driver for McLaren and Ferrari, contributing to the development of numerous F1 cars.
Regarding Max Verstappen, De la Rosa’s admiration stems from the Dutchman’s consistent ability to extract peak performance. Verstappen, a four-time World Champion, has demonstrated exceptional race craft and tire management throughout his career.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has presented challenges for Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, with the team yet to secure a victory. Despite reported aerodynamic issues and car inconsistencies, Verstappen has delivered strong performances, including a second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso, De la Rosa’s colleague at Aston Martin, is lauded for his longevity, strategic acumen, and adaptability across different eras of Formula 1. Alonso’s capacity to remain competitive over two decades underscores his unique talent.
Alonso’s 2026 season with Aston Martin has been difficult, with the team currently tenth in the constructors’ standings. However, the Hungarian Grand Prix showed encouraging signs of recovery, with a significant upgrade package improving pace.
De la Rosa has also recently praised Lance Stroll, highlighting his ‘unreal’ talent. He noted that Stroll, also an Aston Martin driver, exhibits moments of exceptional speed, sometimes matching Alonso in specific corners.
The former F1 driver believes Stroll’s full potential is yet to be realised, observing the hallmarks of an ‘outstanding’ driver behind the scenes. This perspective from De la Rosa underscores his keen eye for identifying top-tier driving ability within the sport.
