Comments from Red Bull taskmaster Helmut Marko on their rivals are often very critical. The only person Marko consistently backs is RB’s lead driver, Max Verstappen. However, in an interesting turn of events, he praised Fernando Alonso. He said that the Spaniard has the caliber that Verstappen does. But citing Marko’s hypocrisy, Alonso brushed aside those compliments.

In the latest episode of BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, chief F1 writer Andrew Benson spoke with Alonso about various topics. One of them was about the appreciation that Marko gave to the Spanish racer. Building on a question from his previous interview with Marko, Benson asked, “He (Marko) said that you (Alonso) and Hamilton are the only two drivers who are anyone near Verstappen’s league. What do you make of that?”

Alonso did not seem quite impressed or affected by that comment. He replied, “Not much. Helmut is another of those characters that Formula 1 needs. It was a good day for his answer towards me, but he can be the opposite the following day.“

Helmut Marko Throws Himself in the Line of Fire to Save Max Verstappen’s Coveted Honor but Leaves With 1 Disappointment

Coming from a rival team’s shrewd boss, those comments could just be mind games. The 2-time champion knows when to welcome compliments and who genuinely means it when they say it. And now that the summer break has started, he has chosen to appreciate his team for their contributions to his journey.

Fernando Alonso Optimistic for Aston Martin’s Return to the Top After the Summer Break

Aston Martin has regressed as the 2023 season has progressed. From being on the podium consistently to finishing outside the top 5, Fernando Alonso has had quite the reverse journey. But after securing a well-fought P5 at the Belgian GP, the Spaniard had closed the 1st half of the season on a good note. And he expects his team to continue this success after the summer break.

“I think we are happier, we are feeling fast again,” said Alonso. “The strategy was perfect, the start was good, pit stops good as well, and the pace of the car back in the mix with the top teams. I think we can go into the summer break a little bit more optimistic, but with the feet on the ground, knowing that we still lost a little bit of competitiveness since the beginning of the year, so more to come from Aston Martin hopefully after the summer.”

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Watch This Story: Fernando Alonso & Teams Elite Mentality: No Excuses, Embracing F1s Harsh Reality

Does the Silverstone outfit look like they have better times ahead post-summer break? When F1 returns to the Netherlands after the summer break, can Alonso get a podium on Max Verstappen‘s home turf?