Reigning F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has spilt the beans on what his relationship with Fernando Alonso is really like.
The former teammates had a tricky relationship when they were both driving for McLaren. Alonso was Hamilton’s first teammate in Formula 1 when he joined the team in 2007.
Hamilton had previously said that having the Spanish racer on the same team was one of the toughest experience of his career due to Alonso’s driving prowess.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, it seems all was well behind the scenes with Hamilton paying tribute to Alonso after he brought the curtain down on his time in F1 in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago.
“Fernando is a true legend,” Hamilton told Formula1.com.
“It’s been a real honour and a privilege to race in a period of time where he has been racing.
“Before I even got to Formula 1 I was already watching him and admiring what he had achieved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I was asked all weekend: ‘Will you miss him?’ and naturally I don’t really quite feel like I miss another driver ever, but the sport will miss him, we will miss him and I will definitely miss him being in the sport.
Alonso will be attempting to win the Indy 500 and complete the prestigious Triple Crown of Motorsport. In other words, the veteran Spaniard will be stepping away from Formula One. While Alonso admitted that he has an option to return, it will seem very unlikely.
With Stoffel Vandoorne also stepping away from Formula One, McLaren have two new faces. Namely, Carlos Sainz Jr and Lando Norris. The Spaniard and the British youngster will be hoping to bring McLaren out of their rut.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Whatever the case, the 2019 season will certainly be interesting. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will be gunning for a 6th title to try and match, and hopefully beat, Michael Schumacher’s record.