Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have had a rivalry ever since the British driver made his debut with McLaren. In their latest bout during the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP, Lewis Hamilton accused Fernando Alonso of brake-testing him.
During the Abu Dhabi GP, Lewis Hamilton found himself behind Fernando Alonso. However, as he was trying to overtake, Lewis Hamilton almost ran into the back of Alonso. After this, the British driver came onto the radio and said that Fernando brake-tested him.
Lewis Hamilton himself has not had the best season this year. Although he did come 3rd in the WDC and helped the team finish 2nd, he is more than disappointed with this season and could not wait to get rid of the W14.
Brake testing is when a driver brakes earlier than the braking point with another car following closely. This is considered to be a dangerous act as the driver behind may not be able to react on time. This could lead to a huge accident. There have been some similar incidents in the recent past. Even Lewis Hamilton was once accused of brake-testing Sebastian Vettel during the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
When asked what he would say to Hamilton’s claim during the race that he brake tested him, Fernando Alonso replied ‘nothing’, before adding this: pic.twitter.com/0CXqOvWXA1
— The Race (@wearetherace) November 26, 2023
After the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP, Fernando Alonso was asked about the brake testing incident. He didn’t say anything. However, after a few seconds, he said:
“Lewis obviously is very clever, understands the sport really, really good, and has a lot of experience, but I have more.”
Fernando Alonso is the oldest driver on the grid. He is the only driver who challenged Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari. He won 2 Championships in 2005 and 2006. However, since then, he has not been able to win another Championship. He retired from Formula 1 in 2018 but returned to the grid with Alpine in 2021.
How Old Was Lewis Hamilton When Fernando Alonso Made His F1 Debut?
Fernando Alonso made his F1 debut in 2001. At the time, Lewis Hamilton was only 16 years old. He was just a few years away from joining McLaren in 2007. Coming into F1, Fernando Alonso proved himself to be a confident driver with high potential.
In just his 4th season in F1, Fernando Alonso took the challenge to Michael Schumacher and Ferrari. When Lewis Hamilton came into F1 in 2007, he challenged Fernando in his rookie season. Although he was challenged for the championship in his rookie season, Lewis came level on points with Fernando but lost the Championship by 1 point to Kimi Raikkonen.
Fernando Alonso diduga melakukan “brake test” ke Lewis Hamilton di tikungan keempat.
Alonso mungkin sibuk melihat spion kirinya dan nyaris ngarah ke tembok itu mobil… pic.twitter.com/bVnVFIV6sh
— F1 Speed Indonesia (@f1speed_indo) November 26, 2023
Since then, Lewis Hamilton has won 7 Championships and is now the 2nd oldest driver on the grid after Fernando. Even at the age of 38, Lewis Hamilton continues to stay motivated to win a Championship. Although Mercedes is currently struggling to find pace, they are hoping that the 2024 season has a better story for them.
If Mercedes are able to challenge Red Bull next year, there is a high chance that Lewis Hamilton will win one more title. an 8th title would break the record for most Championships which was first set by Michael Schumacher after the 2004 season.