Briatore says Alonso still better than Hamilton

Former Renault team principal Flavio Briatore believes Fernando Alonso is retiring too early and that the Spaniard is still better than Lewis Hamilton.

The Italian has a history of controversial opinions and this has definitely got to be up there.

Briatore claims that Alonso was a 'key part' in the Italian's career at Renault.

Alonso announced his retirement on Tuesday from the sport, with his future in motorsport still uncertain at the moment.

The Spaniard has become frustrated with McLaren's lack of competitiveness they offer nowadays.

Briatore feels as if the F1 legend is retiring too early from the sport and he has much more to offer.

"I think he said goodbye a little too early," Briatore told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In Formula One, things can change incredibly quickly. I would prefer to see Fernando in a Mercedes or Ferrari. At the highest level he is better than Hamilton and also much more consistent."

That's a huge statement from Briatore, as Hamilton has been dominant for seasons on end now.

However, he makes a good point regarding the car differences... would Alonso be able to compete or even overtake Hamilton, if he was in a Mercedes or a Ferrari car? I guess, we'll never know now... But what do you think? Let us know via Twitter - tweet @GPBlogcom and simply state your point!