Fernando Alonso claims that Lewis Hamilton did not openly discuss his desire to drive for Ferrari until his move to the team was officially announced. However, Alonso believes that Hamilton could be a strong contender for the championship this year.
Earlier this month, Hamilton made the decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari at the end of 2024. Alonso, who previously drove for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, suggests that in order to fully enjoy his time with the team, Hamilton will need to achieve success on the track. Alonso also jokingly referenced the claims that Hamilton had always harbored a desire to race for the Scuderia.
Alonso stated, “It wasn’t his childhood dream just a year ago or even two months ago, because he had a different dream at that time. I don’t have much to say about it. I hope he enjoys the experience. Ferrari is a very special team, but it becomes even more special when you win. They have had a fast car for a few years now and have been in contention for major achievements. Perhaps Lewis can bring that extra element to fight for the championship.”
The Spanish driver acknowledges that he was taken aback by Hamilton’s decision, considering how closely connected the seven-time world champion has been to Mercedes. Alonso admitted, “I didn’t pay much attention to the news because I was busy training that day. I missed all the commotion. I was just a day late in finding out. It was a surprise, not because of the change itself, but because from an outsider’s perspective, it seemed like Hamilton was deeply intertwined with Mercedes and loyal to them.”
Alonso added, “It was a bit unexpected. I don’t know the reasons behind it. I don’t know any details or stories, so that’s a question for him. But honestly, I didn’t pay much attention, and maybe next week it will become a bigger topic. As of now, with a year still ahead, I haven’t spent much time dwelling on it.”
When asked about the possibility of prominent engineers from rival teams, such as Aston Martin, joining Hamilton at Ferrari, Alonso grew disinterested in the conversation. He replied, “I don’t know. I have no information, and I don’t care about what Lewis Hamilton is doing.”
According to the Source racer.com