Ahead of his 300th Formula 1 Grand Prix at the France race, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton looks back on his teammates and has singled out Fernando Alonso as his closest competitor over the years.
The Brit made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 for McLaren, where he met the freshly crowned two-time world champion Alonso, who had previously broken the dominance of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari with Renault.
When Schumacher’s career ended for the first time after the 2006 season, Alonso was considered the absolute favorite for the title in 2007 and at the same time the best driver in the field, but the Spaniard had a lot to fight with Formula 1 rookie Hamilton.
Hamilton fourth most experienced F1 driver of all time after the end of the season
While the espionage scandal cost McLaren all points in the Constructors’ Championship, Hamilton edged Alonso to second in the Drivers’ Championship behind Kimi Raikkonen after the Woking duo were tied on 109 points, four wins and eight other podiums.
Ahead of Sunday’s landmark race at Paul Ricard, Hamilton has identified current Alpine driver Alonso as his toughest opponent. Hamilton currently has the sixth most starts in Formula 1 history and is on course to oust Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button in fourth at the end of the 2022 season.
Hamilton: Alonso “the toughest opponent in terms of pure speed”
Speaking of the “great” Spaniard, Hamilton says: “I think it’s difficult to say who was the main competitor because every time you’re with someone you’re at a different point in their life.”
“I remember the task of driving alongside Fernando when I was 22. I was so young mentally, my skills were ok, but it’s a lot of pressure against a great driver like Fernando to compete.”
“I would say in terms of sheer speed, Fernando was the toughest opponent. We had some good fights. I wish we can have more of them. Hopefully he will keep racing, then hopefully we’ll have more in the future,” he says British.
Alonso despite tensions in 2007: “Always a pleasure” with Hamilton
From 2007, internal team tensions – Alonso blocked Hamilton in the McLaren pits in Hungary qualifying, preventing the Brit from completing a lap – and team boss Ron Dennis’ favoritism towards Hamilton, as well as the espionage saga, led to Alonso and McLaren terminating their contract mutually dissolved for 2008.
Hamilton clearly beat Alonso replacement Heikki Kovalainen on his way to his first title in 2008 before joining McLaren alongside Jenson Button before moving to Mercedes in 2013 where he drove alongside Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas and for the 2022 season with George Russell received a new teammate.
Despite the earlier tensions, Alonso says it was “always a pleasure” to face Hamilton: “I don’t think he’s changed much to be honest. In 2007 he already had the talent and with his experience he has he still does.”
“He is a great driver, a legend in our sport and it has always been a pleasure to share this time with him,” adds Alonso. “Back then nobody would have thought that someone could win seven titles like Michael [Schumacher]. The trip was incredible. The team they have built at Mercedes over the years is outstanding. Congratulations on your 300th race.”