For Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso was his toughest rival in F1

Yesterday's enemies have become today's friends. Back-to-back at McLaren-Mercedes in 2007, Lewis Hamilton et Fernando Alonso appreciate 15 years later.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 to choose his fiercest opponent during his career in Formula 1, the seven-time world champion let a few seconds pass before deciding in favor of the double Spanish world champion.

“It's hard to say who my strongest opponent was, because every time you fight someone, you're not at the same stage in your life, declared the 37-year-old Briton. I remember the responsibility of being at Fernando's side when I was 22 (in 2007. ). I was so young mentally and of course experience-wise, but it was a lot of pressure to go and compete against a big guy like him. »

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Crowned with a GP2 Series title in 2006, Lewis Hamilton arrived in the team led by Ron Dennis without pressure, the role of leader of men being devolved to Fernando Alonso, recruited at a high price from the rival team Renault F1 Team. After a few training races, the English rookie caused a sensation by winning in Montreal (Canada).

The atmosphere was not very fun in 2007… © ERIC VARGIOLU / DPPI

Subsequently, the working relationship deteriorated, with Fernando Alonso having difficulty accepting the fact that a young entrant was imposing his law internally and on the track. In the end, the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles escaped them to the benefit of Kimi Räikkönen and the Team Ferrari during the very last event in Brazil.

“So I would say that I think in pure rhythm, I always say (that my toughest opponent is) Fernando by his skills. We had some good battles, I would like to have more hopefully we will have more in the future. » Other great champions like Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, or Max Verstappen will enjoy being on the sidelines!

Touched by his words, Fernando Alonso, who will join Aston Martin in place of Sebastian Vettel in 2023, also had a warm thought for his sidekick. “He had the talent to win, already in 2007 and he still has it now with the added bonus of experience. He was a great driver and a legend of our sport. »

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“It was always a pleasure to share all this time with him and at the time, in 2007, probably no one thought that someone would be able to win seven titles and match Michael (Schumacher), he recalls. But the team they have built (for him) at Mercedes over the last few years has been exceptional. »