Fernando Alonso said today that he misses being pushed to the limit by a top team-mate like Lewis Hamilton. The pair were team-mates at McLaren Mercedes in 2007, before the Spaniard fell out with the Woking-based team's management and returned to Renault.
At the time the double world champion complained bitterly about his status in the team and spent much of the uncomfortable season claiming that he should enjoy number one status over then rookie Hamilton due to his championship success.
Since then the Spaniard returned to Renault alongside Nelson Piquet. However, in 22 starts the Brazilian is yet to out-qualify his illustrious team-mate who does now enjoy number one status at the Anglo-French team. Recalling his season with Hamilton in the adjoining garage, Alonso said in Barcelona: "We had a good competition which helped each other to find our limits.
"I can say that maybe I am missing that competition in a way because, as I said, it was quite fun to really push and find new limits from ourselves," he added.
Alonso insists his problems were with McLaren's ‘big bosses’ rather than Hamilton, and had kind words for the reigning world champion when asked about the damage done to Hamilton's reputation by 'lie-gate'.
"I think to really help the reputation or whatever has been damaged, I think will be very easy if he keeps winning," said Alonso.
"The maximum we can do is driving the car, winning races, winning championships. This is the best thing you can do," he added.
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I agree with sptobj, and would add that I think it's a tragedy for F1 that we are being deprived of Alonso's talent in one of the top teams. Although I'm glad Button's finally been given a car he has a chance of winning in, it would be so much more exciting if Alonso were in a competitive car too. I find the races at the moment frustrating and boring. Alonso is one of those exciting drivers who never settles and always has a go. I think some of you are forgetting his incredible driving against Schumacher. Also, don't forget that Ron Dennis himself admitted that many of the incidents that Lewis got away with in 2007 were caused by Lewis, not Alonso. Don't forget that McLaren had invested in Lewis' whole career; anyone who thinks Alonso got fair treatment in that season is dreaming.
Alonso didn't expect such stiff competition frpm a rookie. Hamilton's only 'mistake' was to drive as fast as Alonso in his debut year. Naughty Boy!
sptobj - Can I visit your planet some day, I am building a rocket, quite a nice rocket actually, with comfy chairs and these really nice Jackets that let you hug yourself all day long........
A tumbs down for a pro Alonsa comment about a pro-Aloso comment. Grow up. Ron Sennis is a pretty slimy character. Ever listened to Montoya? Dennis used to complain that his wife, Connie, accompanied Juan to races. Look at the hamiltom family entouage. More "fairness" from Ron...
Yes, chitty, timecode's comments should be left alone. I like Button, but timecode says nothing againt Jenson.
All of you Alonso bashers need to read Sky's post. He is right tht Lewis created the problems. Then, Dennis created the mess by siding by siding with Hamilton instead of putting him in his place. Why? He had a lot invested, and desparately wanted Lewis to succeed. Poor management, which threw away McClaren's championship. Lewis benefited greatly from Alonso's set-up skills, and was not grateful; "I'm great" is all that came from him. Come on, he was a rookie. Alonso gives Lewis more credit than Lewis ever gives Alonso.
Alonso rarely makes mistakes. Lewis? Well, I'd have to take off my shoes to tally all of them. The crashes Alonso had last year were because he was pushing beyond the limits, trying to make something from an inferior car. Calulated risks, based on racing and engineering knowledge very few drivers can match. Over the winter, Brawn said that Alonso is clearly the best driver in F1. But what does he know compared to all of you?
Alonso does not "complain": He states very clearly what the issues are with refreshing candor. He said that he got a "Bad start which ruined his race" last week. Listen to Alonso's comments with an open mind instead of the misplaced British Press bias and you will maybe realize how truly special he is.
He whinged like a @#$% last time he had a competitive team mate.
Chity Chity Bang bang, you're absulotely right...timecode5000 is just making an opinion, not even cursing... why some of the guy's here dont want to read a good opinion and probably discuss the issue with the sport intellingently and with more analytical aspect which may help everyone understand more and probably eliminate the biases.
We all love to have a much better race or grand prix as we used to call it.
Am a ferrari fan but, when the schumi keeps winning, stop watching as I know the schumi is unbeatable "cheating or not".
I love a race just like the time when Honda supplied teams (mclaren /williams) keeps winning) new team every year.
This year, although sad that Ferrari is yet to win, enjoyed the race as new face and team is dominating... but, until when?! Ferrari and McLaren has a lot of Money.
Poor old Alonso...never happy. Doesn't like fighting tooth and nail when he has it, doesn't like no competition when he has it. A supremely talented driver but a whinging so-and-so at the same time.
Seems like there might be a Senna over Piquet change coming shortly.
Come on guys!
Why give timecode5000 thumbs down for his comment?
It's an opinion as valid as any other. He abuses no one, he doesn't insult. Thumbs are not for censoring views!
(Unless it's mourontoot etc, francis or Johnny who don't actually have any)
Jenson is clearly superior to Rubens, so I don't totally agree with him either, but he's got the right to give an opinion.
Alonso went to Renault after they told him who was his teammate. He did not wanted Heikki, he wanted to be sure to be No. 1. I think he regrets that now.
Thats like spitting on Piquet jr's face..
Alonzo has just given the kiss of death to Nelson Piquet. A team needs 2 great drivers or it's development of the car will slow. Twice the data from great drivers. Michael might have been the exception, but Ruben was good for development of the car. Also, Jim E, as great a driver as Lewis is, it was Lewis who disobeyed Ron's orders to let Alonzo pass during the qualifying session that started the problems at McLaren. I don't know if Lewis will ever be a true team player, only history will tell.
Why will only one team in the paddock employ Alonso? Nuff said!
They were the most exciting team since Senna and Prost. One of them should have won the title.
tuff
If Alonso hadn't whined the whole season about his teammate, maybe he wouldn't have this problem. Oh yes, and the whole blackmailing Ron Dennis thing (threatening to go public with the fact that McL were using Ferrari data that was given to them by an ex-Ferrari employee).
Poor Fred.
would love to see them both at brawn...least we would see a REAL fight!!!, unlike jenson and rubens=BORING!!!
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