Fernando Alonso has defended Lewis Hamilton, offering support to his former McLaren team-mate as he struggles in his first year with Ferrari. The Spaniard insists that Hamilton’s issues with the SF-25 are temporary.
Pressure is mounting not only on Hamilton, but also the Scuderia team as a whole as they sit a far second in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren. This has resulted in rumours surrounding the longevity of Fred Vasseur’s stewardship over the team, but these have been firmly shot down – as have any questions of Charles Leclerc’s possible leaving.
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, Alonso defended his former rival.
“What’s wrong with him? I have no idea. Lewis is a great driver; on tracks like Canada, he’s capable of exploiting all his strengths.
“After 24 races, we’ll do the math: he’s struggling now, but he can turn things around very quickly.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most significant driver movements in the sport, but it has carried disappointment as the seven-time world champion struggles to adapt to his new Italian machinery. He finds himself seventh in the drivers’ standings, with Leclerc leading him by 23 points.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images
Despite a win at the Chinese sprint race earlier this season, Hamilton is yet to finish on the podium in a Grand Prix.
“I don’t think the situation has changed much compared to last year with Russell,” Alonso continued. “Then, the Mercedes was apparently difficult to drive and Russell was more comfortable.
“This year seems to be the same. But it’s difficult to give an opinion without having all the information.”
Hamilton has confirmed his future and trust in the team, talking in Montreal.
“It’s definitely not nice to hear that there are stories that are like that out there,” he said.
“Firstly, I love working with Fred. Fred’s the main reason I’m in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I’m forever grateful for, and we’re in this together.
“We are working hard in the background. Things aren’t perfect but, for me I’m here to work with the team but also with Fred. I want Fred here.
“I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top, so that’s that. Ultimately, it’s nonsense what people have written.”
