Fernando Alonso has had a long career in F1, the majority of which he spent chasing silverware with the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Renault. He has battled the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Kimi Raikkonen for wins and titles across his 20 years in F1.
In his later years, the Spaniard faced tough opposition from two youngsters who quickly established a name for themselves. The two are Vettel and Hamilton.
That’s a lot of rivals! 🤯
Which of Alonso’s rivalries has been your favourite?
#F1 #Motorsport #FernandoAlonso pic.twitter.com/uSiMApjR1p— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) January 9, 2023
Vettel and Hamilton have gone on to win multiple championships. The two drivers are well established as F1’s ‘greatest drivers of all time’ lists. But Alonso still ranks his former teammate Lewis above Seb.
Alonso reveals what separates Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton
In 2012, Sebastian Vettel was at his peak. The German had just denied Fernando Alonso a chance to claim his 3rd World Championship title. Vettel would claim his 3rd consecutive championship.
Yet, Fernando was bold enough to predict claim Vettel was not at the same level as Lewis Hamilton. Alonso said, “I think I know who is maybe better than Sebastian.”
Alonso added, “Being teammates in McLaren and racing maybe a couple of more years together. So, in those years, I saw Lewis winning races with not maybe the best car.”
In 2007, Lewis had just debuted in F1 and partnered up with defending then-World Champion Alonso. Yet, the rookie gave Nando a run for the money, almost winning the title in his first season in F1.
He adds, “I saw Lewis doing an amazing performance when sometimes it was not a competitive car in hands. And these things at the moment, we didn’t see with Sebastian.”
“Vettel needs to win from the back of the grid like Hamilton” claims Fernando Alonso
Lewis Hamilton won his first Championship title in 2008 with McLaren. But in the years since, the Briton did not drive the fastest car. Yet Hamilton managed to register victories in every season.
Sebastian Vettel meanwhile sprung to the top with Red Bull, who capitalised on the 2009 regulations change. He would win 4 consecutive titles with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013.
Alonso battled both champions for multiple seasons. He regards both Vettel and Hamilton as, “They are two great champions, two main rivals and two most talent drivers on the grid.”
Danke Seb, One last time sharing the track with you, It will be emotional and sad at the same time, but I wish you all the best for your next chapter. #helmet #abudhabi #f1 #dankeseb https://t.co/EIwISRiNEv
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) November 17, 2022
However, the Spaniard feels Sebastian has the advantage of driving Adrian Newey’s machinery. And the day he wins races from a midfield car, he will be on the same level as Lewis.
Alonso added, “When the Red Bull is ready to do 8th or 7th and I see Sebastian winning the race or being on the Podium. That will put him, I think, at the same level as Lewis.”
This indeed was a daring prediction by Fernando. In a couple of years, Vettel would move to Ferrari. But the German would be unable to repeat his Red Bull performances with his new team. Nor would he be able to stop the dominance of Mercedes and Hamilton.
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