Lewis Hamilton has scorned rival Max Verstappen by picking Fernando Alonso as his toughest rival to face on track in his Formula 1 career.
For many fans, it may come as a surprise for Hamilton to pick the two-time world champion over his recent enemy Verstappen. The Dutchman and the seven-time champion were embroiled in a bitter battle for the championship in 2021, with the Red Bull star coming out on top in dramatic and controversial circumstances.
Verstappen secured his maiden world title at the Yas Marina Circuit after both he and title rival Hamilton went into the season finale tied on points. The Dutchman passed the seven-time world champion - who had dominated for much of the race - on the final lap after a late Safety Car and tyre change swung momentum in his favour.
However, Hamilton has picked Alonso as his most difficult opponent - and the 41-year-old returned the compliment by describing the Brit as a ‘legend’. The duo were in a heated rivalry as McLaren teammates during Hamilton’s debut year of 2007, but the Mercedes star has respect for Alonso.
“I remember the task of being alongside Fernando when I was 22,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “I was so young mentally and of course, OK in terms of skill, but it's a lot of pressure to go against a great like him.
“So I would say out of pure pace, I always say my toughest opponent is Fernando and his ability. We had some good battles, I wish we could have more and hopefully he's going to continue to race, so hopefully we will have more in the future.”
Hamilton was making his debut while Alonso was back-to-back champion after dominating with Renault. Their competition was so intense that the Spaniard ultimately returned to the French team after the McLaren stint.
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The Brit secured his maiden world title in 2008 but his battles with Alonso are clearly memorable. In the present day, Alonso races for Alpine but will join Aston Martin for the 2023 season - and he speaks highly of Hamilton.
“Lewis had the talent already in 2007 and he still has the talent now,” Alonso said. “He has been a tremendous driver, and a legend of our sport.
“So it has been always a pleasure to share all this time with him and back then probably no one thought that someone will be able to win seven titles like Michael Schumache r.”
The 22-race F1 2022 campaign continues with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on August 28 after the four-week summer break.
