Fernando Alonso aims dig at F1 rival Lewis Hamilton over shock Ferrari move

Fernando Alonso has aimed a dig at Formula one rival Lewis Hamilton after he announced a shock switch to Ferrari.

Hamilton announced he will be racing for Ferrari in 2025, ending an 11-year stint with Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion reportedly had a secret "escape" clause in his latest Mercedes deal, signed in August 2023.

He will therefore replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari and partner Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton said driving in the red of Ferrari is a "childhood dream" but Alonso, his former teammate in 2007, is not quite having it.

The Aston Martin driver told media: “It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?

“Or two months ago, I guess. It was a different dream.”

Image: Getty

Alonso and Hamilton had a huge fall-out many years ago, resulting in the Spaniard's contract with McLaren being terminated by mutual consent.

But there is still a respect between the two and the 42-year-old, who has driven for Ferrari, believes it is a positive move for him.

He added: “I hope he enjoys the experience. I think it's a very special team.

“But it's more special when you win. It's few years already [since] they have a very fast car and they were fighting for big things.

“Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship because the car is there.”

Hamilton's switch could have something of a domino effect as his spot will open with Mercedes.

There is speculation that Alonso could be in the frame as Hamilton's replacement with the Silver Arrows.

But the two-time Formula One world champion says there is no update on a potential move to Mercedes.

Image: Getty

“On the Mercedes theme, no, nothing at all,” he explained.

“I know the driver market has started earlier this year, then probably June or July, which is the normal timing, but this will not affect me at all, in terms of preparing for the season.

“We have very limited testing in Bahrain. I cannot think too much about the future right now. I will have to see and wait a few races. I’m aware of my situation, which is very unique."

Topics: Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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