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Fernando Alonso believes Max Verstappen will still finish on the podium at least despite starting 15th in today’s race.

The Spaniard admits Red Bull’s pace is so strong that they will be able to sail through the field and challenge those at the front despite Verstappen’s issues in qualifying.

“I think Max will come eventually in the race,” he said. “They have this advantage – I don’t know which race it was last year that he started last, he changed the power unit and still finished P2 or even he won the race. So I think tomorrow there is no doubt that he will be in the podium, probably, minimum.”

“On pure pace, I think Red Bull is in another league and I think we have to concentrate more on the teams behind,” he said. “Ferrari will be very strong, Mercedes are strong, also Alpine they are fast here. So I think our race is just behind us.