- Ferrari
Alonso never had a problem with Hamilton in 2007
Fernando Alonso insists he never had anything other than a professional relationship with Lewis Hamilton in 2007 and says he is enjoying watching this year's title battle unfold.
Alonso left McLaren under a cloud after just one season in 2007 after being paired with the rookie Hamilton, who surprised everyone by not only being competitive but challenging the then-reigning double world champion for the title. Alonso and Hamilton's supposedly rocky relationship in 2007 was and continues to be the source of much intrigue but Alonso insists his issues that season were solely with McLaren rather than his team-mate.
"As I've said many times before it wasn't a problem with Lewis, we had a very professional relationship and there were very competitive people inside the team - that was quite normal," Alonso said. "I think in 2007 the team didn't work as we wanted. It didn't work because I was not happy with some of the philosophies and the team management at that point and had more possibilities to go into different teams the year after and we decided to go on from there. But I never had a problem with Lewis and it's not a surprise today we still have a good relationship."
Alonso sat between both Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at the FIA's Thursday press conference in Monza, who both fielded a series of questions about the fallout from their Belgian Grand Prix clash. After being asked whether his history with Hamilton meant he could mediate the situation at Mercedes, Alonso joked: "Yes!" before adding: "No, definitely, I am not an ambassador for peace."
He also insists he is enjoying watching the battle unfold between the two Mercedes drivers.
"I'm sure these guys will move forward and as Nico said, they have a clear target to win the championship, both of them. They are in a privileged position to fight for that goal and from the outside we will try and enjoy as much as we can this beautiful battle. Sport is made from this kind of thing. They have a good problem - they are fighting for the world championship."
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