The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso is one of the best that the sport has ever seen. It all started in 2007 when the rookie Hamilton showed his ability matching his teammate and the two-time world champion Alonso.
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Hamilton proved himself to be just as competitive and sought to take the initiative during the season. Although they both lost to Kimi Raikkonen, the rivalry was intense on the track. Also, Alonso left McLaren that year, rejoining Renault.
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They have had their fair share of battles on the track since then. After their 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix clash, this rivalry seems to continue in 2022, as both the drivers have speeded each other multiple times already.
During the Monaco GP, the Spaniard kept Hamilton at bay for most of the race. The seven-time world champion moaned on the radio that Alonso was driving slowly during their battle. However, the Alpine driver was having none of it and said, “Not my problem.”
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On to the Canadian GP, where the two had a wheel-to-wheel battle in 2013, Alonso secured a front-row start this time around, with Hamilton starting fourth.
On Sunday, the Mercedes driver passed Alonso with ease after a few laps. Notably, Hamilton overtook easily as the Spaniard was yet to pit. However, the battle resumed when the Briton boxed and returned behind Alonso and Ocon. And Alonso cheekily stated on the radio, “So we know what to do now!”
The intention was to defend Hamilton, but he had the pace to breeze past both the Alpine drivers. However, the French team is showing impressive pace, so the Hamilton-Alonso battle could well continue in 2022. Keep an eye out on this one!
The difference in fortunes for Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in Canada
Hamilton and Alonso were poised for a solid Canadian GP finish after starting high on the grid. However, while the Mercedes driver ended up on the podium, Alonso endured a torrid race and finished P9.
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Formula One F1 – Canadian Grand Prix – Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada – June 18, 2022 Alpine’s Fernando Alonso after finishing in second position after qualifying pool via REUTERS/Jim Watson
Despite several safety car incidents early in the race, Alpine decided to not pit the Spaniard. And it cost him dearly. Further, towards the end of the race, the 40-year-old had engine problems as he struggled for pace. As a result, he was visibly frustrated with how the week ended.
Before the race, Alonso would have targeted a top 5 finish, but he ended up P7. To add to his woes, the FIA awarded him a penalty after the race and dropped two places further.
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Meanwhile, Hamilton returned to the podium for the second time this year. The seven-time world champion’s W13 showed quality pace on Sunday. However, Alpine and Mercedes achieved their best results and could battle it out as the season progresses. So, get ready for more nail-biting moments between Alonso and Hamilton.
