how nice it was to see in Australia to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton struggling. Doing it equally, with two similar weapons. With a car, the Aston Martin, which has made the Spaniard go from being a tiny kitten in the hands of the Mercedes to a tiger with sharp claws brimming with the desire to win and fight. And yes, that was exactly what happened. in Albert Park.
It was what happened. One in front of the other. Marking the times. Without making a single mistake. Nailing sectors. Not falling too far, not letting those behind get close. A duel of champions. From experienced pilots.
Of two who know each other well and who feel like it. Many. Since that year at McLaren, in 2007. From 2010. And 2012. In the seasons in which they were in a position to win. To make podiums. To fight for absolutely everything.
They are professional colleagues. Yes, definitely. And they are also rivals. Noticeable. I know a lot about that rivalry. somewhat dialectical like on the track. On a track, the one in Melbourne, which made it clear that Hamilton is genuinely afraid of Fernando.
“You can’t have the same strategy…”
Alonso, third, did not stop attacking Hamilton. To put pressure on him. To be behind him without getting too close so as not to burn his tires and without straying too far for the final blow. And of course, that made Hamilton very nervous.
“Alonso is coming very fast!” He said on his first radio to Mercedes. He was right. In the blink of an eye he was practically within range of DRS. It forced him to react.
But it also made him doubt: “It can’t be. He can’t go to the same strategy as us.”
“Let’s not fall into the trap”
Mercedes did not remain silent: “We will let you know. try to push you so you wear out your tires… Let’s not fall into the trap”.
He continued at his pace. She was still very, very close. But Hamilton had no intention of giving up. “There’s no way I’m going to lose to Alonso.”
Yes, they are certainly rivals. And having Fernando strong may well make Hamilton bring out your best version. Because Lewis doesn’t like to lose, and he likes to lose even less against Alonso.
