Formula 1 rivalries revisited: Fernando Alonso vs Lewis Hamilton

To excel in Formula 1 you need a balance of pure racing talent and experience. That is why many were surprised by how quickly Lewis Hamilton put the pressure on Fernando Alonso back in 2007 when they both started to drive for McLaren. 

Hamilton was the new kid on the block and immediately put the pressure on his world champion teammate finishing ahead on the Spaniard in two of the opening four races. Tensions really started to rise. 

Alonso had signed with the team under the impression that he would be the number one driver but on the track it was clear to see that the drivers had equal status. Hamilton had been part of the McLaren junior set up and the team could see his talent and did not want to stunt his growth by making him a number two driver. 

Hamilton was fast and Alonso didn't like it. Their relationship reached a boiling point at the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix when Alonso spoiled Hamilton's qualifying run and the incident kick-started an off-track rivalry. 

The Spaniard threatened McLaren by saying he would approach the FIA with information regarding the "Spygate" scandal when McLaren were deemed to have obtained Ferrari's designs illegally. 

It was a mess. 

Having been favourites to win the drivers championship, neither Hamilton or Alonso came away with the 2007 title as Kimi Raikkonen snatched it at the last race.

It was a true Formula 1 rivalry and McLaren have learnt from their lessons with their current drivers, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, seeming to get along like close friends. 

Let us know what other F1 rivalries you would like us to look at down in the comments!