Fernando Alonso’s $2,000,000 Alpine Trauma Triggers Him to Shower Praise on Arch Nemesis Lewis Hamilton

Fernando Alonso, a seasoned F1 campaigner, made a remarkable comeback in 2021, adding another chapter to his illustrious career. Throughout his extensive time in the sport, he’s been known for frequently changing teams. The Spanish driver’s return with a former championship-winning team, however, wasn’t without its challenges, casting doubts on his form and creating the perception of a rusty driver. Alonso’s partnership with Esteban Ocon also failed to yield the desired results, leaving a trail of frustration. However, the most significant blow came when a promising F2 sensation posed a potential threat to replace the experienced veteran with a $2 million contract.

However, recent developments in the F1 paddock, particularly those involving Mercedes, have led to a surprising twist. Alonso, often regarded as a rival of Lewis Hamilton, has found himself singing praises for the Briton. What exactly sparked this unexpected change in Alonso’s stance? Let’s delve into the headlines that prompted this transformation.

What prompted Fernando Alonso to laud Lewis Hamilton, in light of Alpine’s traumatic experiences?

Despite Alonso’s mediocre 2021 performance, Alpine showed faith in retaining Fernando Alonso, only to subject him to the anxiety of being replaced by F2 star Oscar Piastri. Fortunately for the Veteran, Piastri chose McLaren for a $2 million deal, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth regarding Alpine’s tactics. Ultimately, Alonso decided to join Aston Martin, but the memory of almost being supplanted by an F2 newcomer lingered.

However, recent paddock chatter has been revolving around Lewis Hamilton’s 2-year contract extension with Mercedes. And in light of this Aston Martin driver has subtly shared his own traumatic experiences, making known his feelings about the situation. Taking a swipe at Alpine while shifting the focus to Mercedes, Fernando Alonso expressed his willingness to retain Lewis Hamilton until the age of 80. This indirect comment highlighted Alpine’s choice of a Melbourne native over Alonso, a decision that still stings him.

During the F1 Nation podcast, Spanish journalist Jesús Balseiro quoted the 42-year-old’s statement. He said, “I spoke to Fernando right after Lewis’s news, and he told me a good thing. He told me, I will hire Lewis even when he’s 80 years old. Of course, I think it’s related to what happened to Fernando and Alpine when they preferred Piastri, in a way.”

Decoding what the Aston Martin driver might mean, Balseiro added, “But he means, I don’t care, maybe the youngest driver on the grid or maybe the fastest Formula 2 driver. I will always prefer Lewis because he’s beating his teammate. So, in Formula 1, the clock is the most important thing, not the age.”

At last, the writer for Diario AS elaborated on how Alonso had showered praise on Hamilton, “Maybe not even the championship you already have, but the clock and Lewis Hamilton is so competitive every day that there’s no reason to believe that he won’t be in the car for these two years and maybe a few more. What about Fernando Alonso then? This was always going to be a difficult weekend for him and Aston Martin.”

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In 2007, the grid’s most seasoned drivers faced off for the first time, creating memorable races and moments filled with witty banter since then. However, now, with Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension, let’s discover what the 2-time champion thinks.

How does Fernando Alonso view the impact of Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension on Formula 1?

Two fierce rivals, hungry for victory, have provided unforgettable moments on the track. Starting their rivalry in 2007, they’ve reached the pinnacle over the years. From that iconic 2007 Melbourne race where Hamilton overtook Alonso, only to finish behind him to their sarcastic jabs, their animosity evolved into friendship. Now, with Hamilton’s two-year contract extension, let’s see how Fernando Alonso’s response looks.

As per Planetf1.com Alonso said,” I think that shows his commitment, his love for racing. It’s good to have him two more years. I think he’s one of the greatest of the sport, as long as he is still in Formula 1 I think it’s a benefit for the sport in general, for F1. I hope he stays more than two years.”

WATCH THIS STORY: “They Know More About Our Car Than We Do”: Mercedes’ Spooky Radio Message to Lewis Hamilton Left Fernando Alonso & Co. Shell Shocked

Before the summer break, two former champions were separated by only one point in the driver’s championship, but now the gap has widened to six points. Can the AMR 23 help Fernando Alonso hit two targets with a single shot?