Fernando Alonso launched his opening salvo of the season at Lewis Hamilton on Monday, asserting that the Brit’s recent decision to join Ferrari was a departure from his previously stated aspirations.
The seven-time world champion Hamilton startled the Formula 1 community two weeks ago by announcing his departure from Mercedes at the close of the 2024 season, citing a long-held desire to race in the iconic red of Ferrari as a “childhood dream”.
Alonso, an experienced Spanish driver and two-time world champion, who competed for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, quipped that Hamilton seemed to have altered his “childhood dream” considering his past allegiance to Mercedes.
“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?” remarked Alonso at Aston Martin’s car launch on Monday. “Or two months ago, I guess, it was a different dream.”
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“I hope he enjoys the experience,” Alonso continued. “I think it’s a very special team.
But it’s more special when you win – it’s been a few years already since they’ve had a very fast car and they were contending for significant achievements.”
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Alonso also discussed the possibility of replacing Hamilton at Mercedes next year, acknowledging that he is a compelling option for Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Alonso, who had a tumultuous relationship with Hamilton during their time as teammates at McLaren in 2007, disclosed that he hasn’t dwelled much on Hamilton’s move as he concentrates on his second year with Aston.
Aston unveiled their 2024 car – the AMR24 – at Silverstone on Monday. Pre-season testing is set to commence on 21st February, with the inaugural race of the season taking place in Bahrain on 2nd March.