Lewis Hamilton has faced renewed criticism from Fernando Alonso who believes the seven-time world champion was lucky to secure the success he’s experienced in Formula 1, driving for Mercedes during its period of glory.
However, despite the suggestion that Hamilton’s timing at Mercedes was pure chance, Alonso has accepted that the former champion’s dominance, is evidence of his greatness, with only Michael Schumacher securing an equal number of Drivers’ titles.
Alonso and Hamilton were teammates in the Brit’s opening season in Formula 1 at McLaren, finding themselves as rivals but also maintaining a strong respect for one another over the years.
In recent races, the pair have found themselves battling for success, most notably at Australia earlier this year, where the two shared the podium after a tight fight for second place.
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“In our careers, we have rarely coincided in the same part of the track,” Alonso told Marca in Baku.
“Maybe this year we find ourselves racing together a little more with similar cars. But yes, I still think he is one of the best in history.”
“At the same time, he has been lucky, or he has been known to be in a dominant car for many years.
“And when that happens, [Michael] Schumacher won seven times, Lewis also seven, [Max] Verstappen is on his way to a third, I won two.
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“To be champion, you need the best car.”
Alonso is currently leading Hamilton in the Drivers’ Standings, as the Spaniard sits on 60 points in P3, while Hamilton is on 48 points in P4.
The battle between the two is likely to have a significant impact on the Constructors’ race, as Mercedes and Aston Martin are in a tight battle for P2.