After Failing to “Force a Mistake” From Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso Applauds 7X F1 World Champion

Sabyasachi Biswas | 02/04/2023
After Failing to “Force a Mistake” From Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso Applauds 7X F1 World Champion

Fernando Alonso was full of praise for Lewis Hamilton at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. This comes right after the Briton managed to keep the Spanish driver at bay despite him using tricks to snatch P2 in Melbourne.

Talking about this during the post-race interview, the 41-year-old said that the seven-time world champion did an amazing job today. He added that he couldn’t match him or get close to him, but he’s happy with P3.

After the chaotic race ended at Albert Park, Hamilton managed to hold off his P2 position. The Briton gained his position from Verstappen at the start of the race. With a brilliant move down the inside, he overtook the Dutchman in Lap 1 to bring him behind his teammate.

However, the lead of the race changed to Verstappen after Russell went to the pit under the Safety Car. The Silver Arrows thought to use the opportunity to make the young Briton box and gain an advantage, which worked the exact opposite.

From there on, all he needed to do was to stop his old nemesis from pushing. In the end, he succeeded at his work despite Alonso’s tricks to make Hamilton commit a costly mistake.

Alonso tried to force a mistake on Hamilton

The Spanish driver shared after the race that he tried to force a mistake from the Briton. To try to get close, but he failed.

But the Mercedes driver drove fantastically well, he added. The 41-year-old further pointed out his champion’s instincts to understand why he didn’t make a mistake despite efforts.

With the Australian GP result, Hamilton upped his standings. He currently stands in P4, behind leader Max Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Alonso occupies the third spot after back-to-back three podiums.

Hamilton also praised his old teammate

The Mercedes driver returned the favor with likewise praise for his old McLaren rival. Hamilton said he is lucky to have kept P2 in the end.

The British driver added that the Melbourne race felt amazing when battling with the Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso. Later on, talking to Sky Sports after the race, the 103 times race winner said he enjoyed racing with the Spaniard.

The duo raced for McLaren in 2007 when Alonso has just arrived from Renault and Hamilton just joined as a rookie. That season saw fierce competition between the two drivers.
Post Edited By: Sabyasachi Biswas
Fernando Alonso George Russell Lewis Hamilton Max Verstappen Sergio Perez

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Sabyasachi Biswas

Sabyasachi Biswas is an F1 journalist at The SportsRush. With over one and a half decades of love for the sport and five years of experience in the field, he dreams to be a regular at the paddock when the lights go out. A Red Bull fan and F1 fan in general over the years, he enjoyed watching Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen dominate the track. Apart from F1, he's also a big-time Madridista and Federer fanatic. He was a sub-junior level footballer, won inter-district quizzes and debate competitions back in school. A travel freak throughout, he tries different cuisines and learns new cultures whenever he's away from the keyboard.

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