Ferrari: Praise for Alonso, scorn for Lewis Tuesday 23rd October 2007 Play Jenson's SEIKO Challenge Take part and you could win a superb SEIKO watch. ENTER NOW! Luca Montezemolo has praised Fernando Alonso as a 'world class' driver, while slating Lewis Hamilton for his behaviour during this year's Championship. The two McLaren drivers lost the Drivers' Championship title to Kimi Raikkonen in Sunday's Brazilian GP, both finishing one point behind the Ferrari driver in the standings. But while overjoyed with Raikkonen's title triumph, Montezemolo spared a thought for the dethroned Champion, Alonso. "Alonso is world class in every sense, an extraordinary driver," the Ferrari President told Reuters. "I have appreciated very much his sportsmanship. He lost by one point and I believe it wasn't his fault." However, he wasn't as kind to the Spaniard's team-mate, saying "youth and nervousness" contributed towards Hamilton's loss of the World title. He added: "I must say that in the course of the season he has not always behaved exemplarily."
Andrew, do you think he wants Alonso on his team? I don't think Luca is weird, he said the same about Hakkinen as well in the past when he fought against MS. I truly believe that Fernando has a lot of respect for Kimi.
I just read that on yahoo... I hate that idiot. Hamilton says it was his fault, he did not want the title if it was won off the track and yet Luca has to open his stupid mouth and say that? I hope Luca is in the pits next time Kazuki Nakajima needs a new set...
Looks like a typical case of a journalist's headlines not accurately representing reality. If those are genuine quotes from Luca he is certainly being somewhat critical of LH but the words 'scorn' and 'slating' are hardly a true reflection of what he actually said.
The timing is just about right. Wait a few more weeks, then FA will announce his contract with Ferrari A WHOLE SEASON in advance, just like he did at Renault with McLaren. Diplomacy is obviously not his strong suit... I just don't see LH going anywhere for quite a while. RD has 10 years invested in the new boy wonder, and I can't see him handing that over to a competitor that soon.
Here's hoping! It is interesting that LdM praises Alonso. Very unusual and rare for him to comment on another team's driver. Hmmm... Remember Monza 06 when LdM went over to Kimi's McLaren on the grid and saluted him? Only a couple hours later we knew what that meant.
Not if Kimi has problems in 2008, and Massa wins the title....not that it is likely, but it IS possible...
+1 the difference is Alonso respects Kimi as a competitor, and probably felt that LH had not paid his dues and was favored by McLaren over him. It would be a super team no doubt, and I think they would win every single race.
Right again Michael. With all of this McLaren debacle, I have gained respect for Alonso and lost lots of respect for Hamilton. The kid should have done his job and kept his mouth shut. Maybe when he, I should say IF he ever becomes a two time, maybe even a one time WDC, then he has earned his right to speak mind. And as Mosley wisely said, in two or three years we will see if Hamilton truly is WDC material. Right now, the jury is way out. Anyone who assumes Hamilton is already some sort of Schumacher replacement has their head in a dark cavern. And no, there is no way Alonso will race a Ferrari as long as Todt or Brawn are in place. Kimis contract will be renewed as he and Massa make excellent teammates. I still piss on Ron Dennis, he has allowed McLaren to be the major embarrassment of F1.
It seems like he is trying to attract Alonso . And after what Massa did , i would be very sad to see Luca replace Massa with Alonso.
