Lewis Hamilton has named Fernando Alonso as his hardest opponent throughout his F1 profession.
Hamilton celebrated the milestone of reaching 300 race begins on the French Grand Prix in July, placing him sixth on the checklist of the drivers with probably the most Method 1 entries in historical past.
Throughout his time within the sport since his debut in 2007, the Mercedes driver has battled with a few of the different well-known names within the prime 10, together with a number of World Champions Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.
Nevertheless, it’s Alonso – who’s near breaking Kimi Raikkonen’s file of the best variety of Grand Prix begins – who Hamilton cites as one in all his most difficult rivals.
Hamilton displays on “strain” of Alonso battle
Hamilton acknowledges that it’s tough to pick out his strongest opponents, given the completely different levels of his profession that he has been at with numerous rivalries.
He admits, although, that his rookie 12 months in Method 1 as Alonso’s teammate at McLaren was notably difficult.
“It is tough to say who’s actually been the strongest competitor, as a result of each time you are [battling] with somebody, you are in a distinct place,” Hamilton informed media, together with RacingNews365.com.
“I bear in mind the duty of being alongside Fernando after I was 22. I used to be so younger mentally and, in fact, okay when it comes to ability, nevertheless it’s numerous strain to go up towards an amazing like him.
“So, out of pure tempo, I’d say it is Fernando [that has been my toughest opponent] and his capability.”
Hamilton hopes for extra Alonso duels
With Alonso set to stay in Method 1 for the forseeable future – having signed a multi-year deal to race with Aston Martin from 2023 onwards – Hamilton is hopeful that there should still be extra on-track fights between them.
“We had some good battles,” the seven-time World Champion added.
“I want we may have extra. Hopefully he’ll proceed to race, so hopefully we’ll have extra sooner or later.”