The motorsport community is buzzing with a heated debate: who truly deserves the title of the best all-around driver in the world—Formula 1’s Max Verstappen or NASCAR’s Kyle Larson? While opinions vary, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso has weighed in with a surprising and cheeky take of his own.

Kyle Larson ignited the conversation when, after clinching his third Knoxville Nationals win in four years, he boldly claimed that he was a better all-around driver than the three-time F1 champion, Max Verstappen. “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” Larson confidently stated, although he conceded that Verstappen would outshine him in a Grand Prix car.

Max Verstappen, however, brushed off the debate, remarking, “Everyone thinks their own way, right?” during the buildup to the Dutch Grand Prix, signaling his disinterest in engaging in the discussion.

Fernando Alonso, one of the few drivers on the current F1 grid with experience across multiple racing disciplines, was also asked to weigh in. Alonso, who has competed in IndyCar, Dakar, and endurance racing, responded with a playful yet pointed remark: “I don’t know. I think Max is quite good in GPs as well, and I bet he’s good in everything. But still not as good as me!”

Alonso’s comment, while humorous, underscores his extensive and successful career in some of the world’s most challenging motorsport events. The Spaniard elaborated on the unique s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s required to excel in different racing disciplines, emphasizing the adaptability needed for oval racing and the endurance required for events like Dakar.

As the debate over the best driver in the world continues to simmer, Alonso’s unexpected addition to the conversation adds another layer of intrigue. With the Formula 1 season resuming at the Dutch Grand Prix, the motorsport world will be eagerly watching to see how this rivalry—and this debate—unfolds.