Alonso: Hamilton’s weaknesses in F1 are not exploited by his rivals
In an interview, Fernando Alonso evaluates the performance level of his former teammate at McLaren in 2007. He believes that Lewis Hamilton has "weaknesses" that have not yet been exploited by his rivals.
The Spanish driver, double Formula 1 world champion, double winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance champion, has just finished the Dakar as the best Rookie. Having left Formula 1 at the end of the 2018 season, he would not be against a return to the top category of motorsport in 2021 if the proposed regulations are interesting for improving the races.
Alonso evaluates the performance level of his former McLaren teammate in 2007 and current reigning world champion, Lewis Hamilton.
The British driver, six-time world champion, has, according to Alonso, raised his level in recent years.
« Particularly in 2019 when the car was not as dominant as in past seasons, » explains the Asturian driver.
If he can’t win, he is very close. Not 20 seconds behind, which happens a bit with Valtteri [Bottas, Hamilton’s current teammate].
A weekend where the car is not as competitive, Bottas is fifth or sixth or a minute behind. But Lewis is not.
Alonso highlights the progress of the British driver: « He has taken a step forward, he is more competitive, more prepared. »
Nevertheless, he explains that the Mercedes driver is not unbeatable. He still has weaknesses that have not yet been highlighted. No one is pressing this button, this weakness.
« If you study Lewis’s season, there is always a common trend. » Alonso explains. « He [Hamilton] starts the year slowly and no one takes advantage of it. We are all excited that it’s Bottas’s year, but it’s not the case. »
It would be nice to compete with him [Hamilton] in a real fight. Maybe his weaknesses aren’t real and everything is calculated, but it would be nice to find out.
When evaluating Hamilton’s performances, Fernando Alonso explains that taking advantage of a potential early-season weakness would expose Hamilton to pressures he believes he hasn’t faced in recent years.
« When you have a good package and the other guys crash, and you extend your lead in the championship, everything seems calm. If you only have a one-point lead or are 10 points behind, the stress is different. The mistakes are different, and your radio communications are different. We need to see [Hamilton] when the pressure is on. » comments Alonso.
