Chinese GP – Alonso/Hamilton: Titan Duel for McLaren

McLaren Mercedes will not be able to win the Constructors’ title, this is already official, but for the Drivers’ title, and with two drivers at the top of the standings, they are on track to achieve a double.

For this Chinese GP, Hamilton will have a 12-point lead over Alonso, which means that aside from a Scuderia Ferrari win, the battle between the two drivers will be tighter than ever. Each wants the title and is ready to do anything to win it.

Fernando Alonso

« During this period of the season, we are always under pressure, but I remain focused on Shanghai and Interlagos where I must bring home a victory! We are all focused on this goal and will need to give our maximum in the coming weeks. »

« I love driving in Shanghai. It’s a new circuit, but it has character, although my memories there are mixed. Indeed, last year I retired, whereas I won in 2005. I hope to repeat that this weekend. »

« The track is wide and allows for a lot of overtaking, but to keep the lead in the first corner you must have taken before the straight line wide enough to accelerate early and maintain maximum speed… »

Lewis Hamilton

« We are entering races that are going to be tight, and there are only 12 points between Alonso and me. However, I remain confident. We are going to have two exciting GPs. »

« There have been many interviews lately about the championship, but I try not to think about it. I just stay focused on the last two races and I will do my best in Brazil and China, even though I don’t know any of these circuits. However, this won’t be a problem since it has already happened four times this season (in Melbourne, Montreal, Indy, and Fuji), which did not prevent me from stepping onto the podium each time. »

« From what I have seen, the Shanghai circuit is very different from that of Brazil. We will therefore have two great and quite exciting races as a bonus.

Martin Whitmarsh – President of McLaren-Mercedes

« Having Lewis and Fernando for the last two races of the season, with an opportunity for each to win the title, is a fantastic situation for the team. »

« Japan was the first race where both cars did not reach the checkered flag. This fully demonstrates our competitiveness this season, and we will try to maintain this level this weekend in China. »

Norbert Haug – Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

« This Chinese Grand Prix will have a special feel for the team. Indeed, if Hamilton can clinch the title by winning this race, Alonso can still win and keep his hopes alive for a third world crown if Hamilton later retires in Brazil… Naturally, we must still observe Kimi [Räikkönen] who still has the mathematical possibility of winning the title. »

« The whole team will do their utmost to stay focused this weekend, just like for the last 15 events. Alonso and Hamilton will have the same equipment, and even if the latter has a certain lead in the championship, we will do everything to ensure that one of them can win, but of course loyally and without any incidents. »