The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso has been fierce since they were teammates at McLaren (2007) and the Iberian was surprised when asked to pick his toughest rival from more than two decades in Formula One. 1.

Fernando Alonso says Michael Schumacher was his toughest rival

Alonso (41) made his debut in 2001 and fought against many world champions, but the Spaniard singled out Michael Schumacher as his most difficult opponent.

Fernando, who ended Schumacher’s streak of five consecutive titles (the German has a total of seven, tied with Hamilton), dominated the drivers’ standings in 2005 and 2006.

“It’s hard to pick just one because they were all great competitors and very talented drivers, but when I came into the sport, Michael Schumacher dominated the racing and everything. The fight with him was probably the hardest, he was always very special, so I will name him.

When you compete for so many years, obviously you start breaking records. But I think the only thing that matters is the number of world titles. It’s probably impossible for me at the moment because Schumacher and Hamilton each have seven, but that would be the goal.” Fernando Alonso.

>> Formula 1 – Amazing Fernando Alonso through the eyes of the world champion

Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton’s biggest rival

Alonso’s statement may somewhat irritate Lewis Hamilton, given that the Briton named the Spaniard his most difficult rival during an interview in July 2022.

“I remember what it was like to be with Fernando when I was 22 years old. I was so young mentally and my skills were okay, but it’s a lot of pressure to compete with someone at his level.

So I would say that in terms of pure speed… I always say that my most difficult opponent is Fernando” – Lewis Hamilton.

In the opening races of the 2023 season (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Australia), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) finished 3rd each time, while Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished 5th, 5th and 2nd.

>> Lewis Hamilton, details about his future in Formula 1 – The Briton has the last year of his contract with Mercedes

Formula 1, rating of pilots

1 Max Verstappen (RedBull) 69 points

2 Sergio Perez (Red Bull) 54

3 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 45

4 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 38

5 Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) 20

6 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 20

7 George Russell (Mercedes) 18

8 Lando Norris (McLaren) 8

9 Nico Hulkenberg (HAAS) 6

10 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 6

11 Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) 4

12 Esteban Ocon (Alpiyskiy) 4

13 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 4

14 Pierre Gasly (Alpisky) 4

15 Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) 2

16 Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 1

17 Kevin Magnussen (HAAS) 1

18 Alexander Albon (Williams) 1

19 Logan Sargent (Williams) 0

20 Nick De Vries (AlphaTauri) 0

Formula 1, rating of constructors

1 RedBull 123 points

2 Aston Martin 65s

3 Mercedes 56

4 Ferrari 26s

5 McLaren 12s

6 Alpine 8

7 HAAS 7

8 Alfa Romeo 6

9 AlphaTauri, Williams 1.

Formula 1 season calendar for 2023

March 5: Bahrain – victory for Max Verstappen

March 19: Saudi Arabia – victory for Sergio Perez

April 2: Australia – victory for Max Verstappen

April 30: Azerbaijan / Baku

May 7: Miami

May 21: Emilia-Romagna / Imola

May 28: Monaco

June 4: Spain / Barcelona

June 18: Canada / Montreal

July 2: Austria / Spielberg

July 9: Great Britain / Silverstone

July 23: Hungary / Budapest

July 30: Belgium / Spa-Francorchamps

August 27: Netherlands / Zandvoort

September 3: Italy / Monza

September 17: Singapore / Marina Bay

September 24: Japan / Suzuka

October 8: Qatar / Losail

October 22: USA / Austin

October 29: Mexico / Mexico City

November 5: Brazil / Sao Paulo

November 18: Las Vegas

November 26: Abu Dhabi / Yas Marina.