Fernando Alonso addressed accusations made by Lewis Hamilton that he tried to brake test the seven-time World Champion during Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which brought the 2023 season to a close.
When Alonso exited the pits following his second pit-stop, he rejoined the Yas Marina Circuit directly ahead of Hamilton, who was right on his gearbox.
As a result, the Mercedes driver was set to receive DRS down the main straight, due to being within one-second of the Spanish driver.
However, as they approached the DRS detection line, Alonso suddenly pulled to the right of the racing line and appeared to slow down, resulting in immediate calls from Hamilton that he tried to brake test him.
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These claims were analysed after the race by Sky Sports F1 pundit and ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson, who explained his view that it seemed like Alonso was trying to catch Hamilton out and get DRS himself.
Alonso was investigated by the stewards by no action was taken, with him having ultimately finished in seventh whilst Hamilton had to settle for ninth.
The two-time World Champion was asked about the incident after the race, where he chirped that he has “more” experience than the “very clever” Hamilton.
“Lewis is obviously very clever and understands the sport really good and has a lot of experience but I have more,” Alonso said after the race when asked about his antics, as reported by Motorsport Week.
Hamilton stressed once again after the 58-lap finale had finished that Alonso tried to brake test him, as he suddenly had to reduce his speed well before the braking zone for Turn 5.
“I was doing 180 miles an hour and the guy all of a sudden slowed down massively,” Hamilton said.
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The Mercedes driver complaining about Alonso’s driving didn’t come as much of a shock to the 42-year-old, who explained how the incident was similar to their battle at the Canadian Grand Prix a decade ago.
“Yes and no,” Alonso admitted.
“We did the same in Canada in 2012 [2013], so 11 [10] years after that episode, we tried to give the DRS to the other guy, braking for Turn 5 but in both cases I won so it is okay.”