Two of the most lethal rivals to emerge in modern times, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have dominated the grid over the past few years. Consequently, there is no surprise that they are two of the most popular F1 figures in the world. However, head coach of Spain’s soccer national team Luis Enrique snubbed the combined 9-time champions as he named his favorite F1 duo.

Luis Enrique’s Spain will take on Morocco at the FIFA World Cup soon. They finished the World Cup group stages second in the table and qualified for the knockout stages along with table-toppers Japan. Ahead of his clash with the African team, Enrique revealed on his Twitch account who his favorite duo on the grid was.

Unsurprisingly, it was his compatriots. The former FC Barcelona coach answered, “Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, there is no doubt.” He continued, “I would call Alonso whatever he wanted, I like him phenomenally despite the Oviedo-Gijon rivalry. He is a phenomenon, an ambassador of Asturias.”

Furthermore, he said, “He is a guy who I have had the opportunity to meet, and I like him wonderfully. He is a phenomenon. We are proud to have an Asturian of that level.”

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Alonso will join Aston Martin Racing next season leaving French constructors Alpine. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz will look to improve on his P5 finish in the WDC.

Max Verstappen “felt” for his rival Lewis Hamilton after last year’s Abu Dhabi fiasco

The 2021 season finale was one of the most controversial sporting moments. Max Verstappen clinched the title from the cusp of Lewis Hamilton’s hands to win his maiden world championship. However, the Dutch Lion revealed he sympathized with the 7-time title winner after he lost out the title in such a manner.

Verstappen said, “Everything was looking great for him and then something like this happens. It’s tough. The only thing I said to myself at the time was: It’s won seven titles and won one of them when it looked like it was going to lose and then the situation turned around again on the last lap, so I hoped he would understand.”

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He further added, “But yes, I felt for him. Of course, there were moments when we clashed. But I’ve always respected him and I think we had a great Duel.” [Translated from Google]

Verstappen went on to win his second title in a row this season after he dominated the grid with 15 wins in a season. At the same time, Hamilton endured a tough spell with Mercedes as he finished P6 in the WDC.

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While Hamilton will be looking to challenge the Red Bull driver next season, Verstappen will be looking to clinch his 3rd championship. Who among the two will triumph in 2023?