With 2022, came the advent of a whole new era of Formula 1 racing. The FIA massively overhauled the regulations for 2022 as they simplified the aero and re-introduced the ground effects. This led to many wheel-to-wheel battles last year. But as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton would expose, it appears that F1 and the FIA’s good work has already been negated.

During last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso claimed his third consecutive podium finish of the season. However, the fact that Hamilton finished ahead of the 41-year-old seems to have rung a few alarm bells in the mind of Peter Windsor, ex-Ferrari team manager.

Lewis Hamilton – Fernando Alonso Australian duel a bitter pill to swallow for F1

While debriefing the chaotic race, Windsor said, “We also saw how difficult, relatively difficult it is now, with the ’23 regulations, the new floor regulations, to follow another car really closely as Fernando Alonso found out. So, even with the help of DRS, he wasn’t able to do very much,” via his YouTube channel.

It would appear that in the long run, the FIA may have just given Lewis Hamilton a lifeline in the championship against Fernando Alonso and other rivals. “Fernando drove really well but again just to reiterate, interesting that he again got beaten by Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes today.”

“And I put a lot of that down to a lack of… to the difference in top speed between the Aston and the Mercedes. And yes, obviously some cars are going to be affected by the new turbulence more than others but quite clearly Fernando couldn’t get within a second of Lewis.”

Read More: Max Verstappen Gives Bleak Mercedes Verdict While Preparing for 2023 Dominance

In the past, the duo of Alonso and Hamilton haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. But in 2023, the mood amongst them may have changed.

Fernando Alonso whistles a completely new tune about Hamilton

Fernando Alonso, the established legend, the reigning champion, was pitted against a rookie back in 2007. As it turns out, the rookie had the measure of the double world champion from the get-go. Naturally, since, the competitiveness these two possess has led to a few awkward encounters and a bit of bad blood.

But while talking about his race-long battle with Hamilton for P2, Alonso had nothing but compliments for his old rival. He told the media post-race, “I tried to force a mistake from Lewis all race long, [I] tried to get close, but he drove fantastically well, as the champion he is, and no mistakes.”

Will we ever see Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in a two-way title fight in the future?

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