Fernando Alonso: Red Bull's Max Verstappen is an all-time Formula 1 great

If Verstappen wins this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, plus also sets the fastest leap for a bonus point, he will then be crowned as world champion for a second time no matter where rivals Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez finish in Sunday's race.

If the Dutchman claims the title, the 25-year-old Verstappen will tie with Alpine's Alonso as a two-time title winner.

Alonso was asked if Verstappen can be considered as one of the all-time F1 greats, he replied: "I think so.

"He is 25, so there is still a long way in front of him. But I wish him more luck than me because I was also 26 with those stats and still have the same stats at 40.

"But I am sure with Red Bull and how things look for the future, he will only get better," Alonso said.

This year's F1 season has been dominated by Verstappen, winning 11 races out of his 13 podiums claimed to lead the drivers' standings by 104 points, ahead of second-placed Ferrari driver Leclerc.

When asked if it was too soon to name Verstappen in the all-time greats list due to his relatively easy 2022 campaign, Alonso said: "It is very well deserved.

"They [Red Bull] were the best team and the best driver by far, so when they win it, I don't think it is an important thing.

"It is just, they will. If it is here or in Japan, we will see," he added.