Alonso is Better than Hamilton – Briatore

Former Renault boss, Flavio Briatore believes that Fernando Alonso’s decision to leave Formula 1 is too soon. He is of the opinion that Alonso is better than reigning champion Lewis Hamilton. His comments come inspite of the fact that the Brit is battling for his fifth world championship.

The outspoken Italian has been a big admirer of Alonso. He claimed that the two-time world champion was a ‘key part’ of the former’s career.

So far, Alonso has grown frustrated with McLaren’s lack of competition over the past few seasons. The numerous DNFs aren’t really helping either. This was why he made the decision to leave the sport at the end of the 2018 season.

After leaving F1, his future still remains a little unclear although many think that he will go to IndyCar. But Briatore feels that Alonso still has much more left in the tank.

He said: “I think he said goodbye a little too early.”

“In Formula 1, things can change incredibly quickly. I would prefer to see Fernando in a Mercedes or Ferrari. At the highest level he is better than Hamilton and also much more consistent.”

Briatore knows the Spaniard better than anyone else. He finds it strange that he hasn’t attracted a lucrative drive for next season.

“I explain Fernando’s decision – it just made no sense to go seventh or eighth,” Briatore said.

“A driver loses the motivation. I find it strange that in this Formula 1 apparently no place for such a talented driver as Fernando can be found.

“Fernando drove for me. He glorified the Renault team, he was an exemplary team-mate for the other drivers, a benchmark for the mechanics.”

Alonso and Briatore together romped to 2 Formula One titles in 2005 and 2006. However, their good work was undone by THAT controversial incident at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.