Max Verstappen would be "happy to see" Fernando Alonso win again in Formula 1 as the 'No.33' trend grows.
The two-time world champion has been reborn this season, finishing third in each of the opening three races thanks to huge gains by his new team Aston Martin.
As a result, for the first time in years, there is a feeling that Alonso can finally add to his current tally of 32 victories in F1, with his last coming almost a decade ago at the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.
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And Verstappen, who enjoys a close bond with Alonso, is among those hoping 'No.33' becomes a reality.
"I think Fernando should have won anyway already a lot more races than what he has done," the Red Bull driver said in Australia. "I think he deserves a lot more.
"But I would be quite happy to see him win number 33. I also, in a way, would like to see him win more. So we’ll see in the coming races."
Sitting next to Verstappen, Alonso sarcastically quipped he would ask for Max's No.33 race number, should the Dutchman continue with No.1 next year.
Particularly given the buzz created on social media for the 41-year-old's push for No.33.
"It’s crazy to see how Spain is now so enthusiastic again for Formula 1 and for everything that is happening," noted Alonso.
"So this is very nice to see and hopefully I think they did enjoy these first two podiums the whole country.
"This 33, I don’t know, all these things that are happening now in social media, it was ‘El Plan’ three years ago and then the mission and now ’33’ so there are a lot of 33s.
"All the football clubs or footballers or tennis or whatever they are always doing something with 33. So hopefully we can reach that number in terms of wins and then we go for 34!"
3️⃣3️⃣ 🔜❓
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 28, 2023
Your move, @alo_oficial 🏎️😉@F1 @carlosalcaraz #MiamiOpen #ElPlan pic.twitter.com/bOWksFy0I8
