He was the only non-Mercedes driver who could consistently challenge for race wins and podiums in 2020, far outperforming team-mate, Alex Albon.

Verstappen won the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He also had 11 podiums and only once finished off the podium when he did not have to retire early.

The 23-year-old ended the year with 214 Championship points, just nine behind second-placed Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton was well clear on 347 points, such was his utter dominance throughout the campaign, but, as Alonso rightly highlights, every other constructor must first overcome Red Bull if they want to challenge Mercedes