Hamilton believes Alonso is his biggest opponent in Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton had an exceptional career. Seven world championship titles and 103 victories: the Briton has experienced the greatest successes and the greatest adversaries. As he prepares to start his 300th Grand Prix, on the Paul-Ricard circuit, the driver Mercedes was asked about the identity of his biggest rival in Formula 1.

If the list is long, with names such as Schumacher, Hag, Button, Räikkönen or even Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton cited Fernando Alonso as the greatest opponent in his career. “I think it's hard to say who was necessarily the strongest competitor. Every time you're against someone, you're at a different point in your life... But I remember the challenge of being at Fernando's side when I was 22, admitted the British champion. I was so young mentally and of course I was pretty good, but it was a lot of pressure racing against a big guy like him. So I would say that in terms of pure pace, it's Fernando [my biggest rival]. »

“I would have liked to have had more of a battle with Alonso” admits Hamilton

Teammates in 2007 at McLaren, while Alonso was a double reigning champion and Hamilton a mere rookie, the two drivers initially had a very tense relationship within the British team. The Spaniard left Woking in his first season after a stormy year. They were then able to maintain adversity from a distance, particularly during the period when Alonso was with Ferrari. " We had some good battles but I wish we had more. I hope he continues to race in F1, so I hope we get more in the future." admitted Hamilton.

In response, the double Spanish world champion was full of praise for his ex-teammate. "I don't think he's changed much since then, he's always been talented, confided the Iberian. He still is, and now he has experience, he is an exceptional driver, a legend of our sport. (…) Congratulations on the 300 [Grand Prix], I'm sure he will win again soon. »

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