Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s friendship quickly soured when the two went head-to-head for the 2014 title. The Mercedes drivers were leading the standings and in a two-way title fight, that saw the old pals become foes.
Hamilton’s former teammate-turned-rival, Fernando Alonso, was asked if he would mend things between the drivers. Alonso, however, rejected the opportunity to become an ambassador of peace between the Mercedes duo.
The Spaniard pointed out that inter-team rivalries are pretty common when you are chasing the same goal. He also spoke a few words about his fallout with Hamilton during his time at McLaren
Alonso rejects the offer to become “ambassador of peace” between Hamilton and Rosberg
Ahead of the 2014 Italian GP, a Russian journalist asked Fernando Alonso for an unusual favor. He asked if the Spaniard would become an “Ambassador of peace” between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
The 2x world champion had experience in dealing with Hamilton, from their time at McLaren in 2007. He rejoiced at the offer but declined it out of respect for the two drivers. However, according to Alonso, such issues are not uncommon.
He reflected on his battle with the 7x champion during his rookie year at McLaren. Alonso recalled, “Yes, in 2007 the thing didn’t work as we wanted. It was never a problem with Lewis, we had a very professional relationship and we both are very competitive people.”
The Spaniard believed it was best to not interfere with Mercedes’s matters and let the two compete on the track. He added, “I’m sure these two will move forward. Both of them are in a privileged position to fight for the title. And as outsiders, we will try to enjoy the battle.”
Lewis Hamilton names Alonso as his toughest rival
Lewis Hamilton has been in F1 for the past 17 years. Over the years, the driver has had some fierce rivalries against some of the greatest drivers in the sport. From Sebastian Vettel, and Nico Rosberg, to Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen.
However, the 7x world champion claims Alonso was the toughest of the lot. He asserted, “On pure pace, I would say it’s Fernando and ability.”
Both the drivers went head-to-head for the 2007 world championship. Alonso played games with his younger teammates and even paid bribes to the McLaren mechanics to show who ran the show.
Nevertheless, they finished P2 in the championship with level points behind the champion Kimi Raikkonen. Alonso left McLaren after the season, in the wake of their Spygate scandal, and joined former team Renault.
The Briton claims to go against the then-defending champion in his debut season was a huge challenge. Hamilton added, “I remember the task of being alongside Fernando [Alonso] when I was 22. It’s a lot of pressure to go up against a great like him.”
Hamilton also considers Alonso to be a tremendously skilled driver. The Briton claims he enjoyed all the battles the two shared over the years in F1. Currently, both Alonso and Hamilton, are the oldest two drivers on the F1 grid. Yet they continue to run the show, leading by experience.
