Fernando Alonso has offered unexpected support for Lewis Hamilton amid the seven-time world champion's challenging start to life at Ferrari.
The Spaniard described his former McLaren colleague as a "truly great driver" despite Hamilton's recent struggles against teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton's difficulties have followed him from Mercedes to Maranello, with the 40-year-old failing to finish on the podium in any of his nine races for Ferrari so far.
Apart from a surprise sprint race victory in China, his 2025 campaign has been notably lacking in memorable performances.
Lewis Hamilton won the sprint in China this year
Getty
The British driver has generally been off the pace compared to Leclerc through the opening nine races.
Alonso drew direct parallels between Hamilton's current predicament and his final season at Mercedes.
"I don't think the situation has changed much compared to last year with [George] Russell," he stated in Montreal.
JUST IN: Tottenham sue Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company Ineos over bungled sponsorship deal
Fernando Alonso was quick to defend his former teammate
PA
The two-time world champion suggested that just as the Mercedes proved difficult to drive last year, with Russell appearing more comfortable, the same pattern has emerged at Ferrari.
"Back then, the Mercedes was apparently difficult to drive, and Russell was more comfortable. This year, the situation seems to be the same."
However, the Spaniard was careful to qualify his assessment, adding: "But it's difficult to give an opinion without having all the information."
Despite Hamilton's current struggles, though, Alonso remains optimistic about his rival's prospects.
READ MORE: World Cup darts stars clash on stage in incredible scenes after shocking miscount
"What's wrong with him? I have no idea. Lewis is a truly great driver; on tracks like Canada, he's capable of exploiting all his strengths.
"After 24 races, we'll do the math; he's struggling now, but he can turn things around very quickly."
His confidence in Hamilton's ability to recover echoes throughout the paddock, where many recognise that the Briton's vast experience and proven track record suggest this difficult period may be temporary.
Alonso's supportive comments carry particular weight given the pair's tumultuous history.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Fernando Alonso called his former teammate Lewis Hamilton a 'truly great driver'
Getty
The duo's relationship soured during their time as McLaren teammates in 2007, when Hamilton arrived as a rookie and quickly developed a bitter rivalry with the established champion.
"We were in the same team, the same garage, we often travelled together, we were at meetings together, and we started to notice that there was friction," Alonso recalled in 2024.
He attributed their difficulties to "immaturity and lack of teamwork".
The Spaniard had previously stated: "I don't think we will ever be friends in the future. I don't think we have many things in common."
However, his recent comments suggest he is confident and behind his old teammate, regardless of their history, and Hamilton needs all the support he can get.
Most Read
