During the second practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso humorously applauded Lewis Hamilton. This moment arose from Alonso’s frustration that Hamilton seemed to obstruct him on the track. Although the incident did not air live, it quickly gained traction on social media.
Rivalry Between Alonso and Hamilton
The rivalry between Alonso and Hamilton dates back to 2007 when both drivers were teammates at McLaren. In that rookie season, Hamilton outperformed Alonso in the drivers’ standings, setting the stage for a competitive relationship.
Recent Tensions
Although the two drivers have maintained a level of respect, underlying tensions have surfaced over time. One notable incident occurred during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. Alonso vented on team radio after finishing just behind Hamilton, who was dealing with brake issues.
In a light-hearted jab, Hamilton retaliated on social media by sharing a humorous clip from the British comedy series “One Foot in the Grave.” The clip featured the character Victor Meldrew exclaiming, “I don’t believe it,” highlighting the light banter between the two competitors.
Alonso’s Post-Practice Comments
Following the second practice session, Alonso refrained from discussing his altercation with Hamilton. Instead, he focused on his car’s performance, stating that it felt improved compared to the first practice session. He noted that adjustments had been made to the setup.
- “I think the car felt better, for sure, in FP2 than FP1,” Alonso remarked.
- He expressed caution regarding Aston Martin’s race pace, as their practice performance has not always translated into qualifying or race results.
- Alonso acknowledged that while they have consistently landed in the top five during practice, these results do not paint an accurate picture for race day.
Looking Ahead
Alonso emphasized the need for caution, hinting that most teams applied different strategies during practice. With rookies in cars during FP1, he anticipated improvements from all teams in the forthcoming sessions. As the race approaches, both Alonso and Hamilton remain pivotal figures in the ongoing narrative of F1 racing.
