Fernando Alonso Reflects on 2007 Battle with Lewis Hamilton: “109–109, I’m Happy”
Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 world champion and current Aston Martin driver, once shared his thoughts on comparisons between himself and Lewis Hamilton. Speaking in an interview on the WTF1 podcast back in early 2021, Alonso acknowledged that such comparisons are complex but referenced their time as teammates at McLaren in 2007 as a fair benchmark.
“Same Car, Same Points”
Alonso explained that it’s difficult to compare drivers across different seasons or teams due to the numerous variables involved. However, he pointed out that in 2007, when both he and Hamilton drove for McLaren, they ended the season with the same number of points — 109 each.
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He stated:
“It’s difficult to compare times and drivers because so many factors are involved. But in 2007, we had the same car, and the same team, and we ended with 109 points each. That gives at least one answer.”
While noting that Hamilton was a rookie that year, Alonso added that it wasn’t a straightforward season for him either. He had to adjust to new tires — Bridgestones — after switching from Michelins, which affected his performance early in the year.
“It Was a Big Adjustment for Me”
Alonso elaborated on the challenge of adapting to the new tire compounds. His experience and testing leading up to the season were compromised, requiring significant adjustments to his driving style. Despite that, he expressed contentment with how the season turned out, emphasizing again that the final result was even between him and Hamilton.
Hamilton’s Take on Equal Opportunity
Hamilton, now a seven-time world champion, once recalled a key moment during the 2007 season that stood out for him — the Canadian Grand Prix. According to him, it was the first time he felt that he and Alonso were given an equal shot, as they were finally running with similar fuel loads.
He remembered pushing for equal treatment after the Monaco Grand Prix, and once he got it, he managed to out-qualify Alonso and take his maiden victory in Canada. Alonso, on the other hand, finished the race in seventh place.
Hamilton noted:
“I remember arguing after Monaco that I wanted equal opportunity and equal chance, and they gave us equal fuel. Then I out-qualified him and won the race.”
The Split After 2007
The 2007 season proved to be intense for both drivers. Despite tying on points, they missed the championship title by just a single point, which was ultimately won by Kimi Räikkönen. Tensions within the McLaren team contributed to Alonso’s decision to leave the team after just one year and return to Renault. Since then, Alonso and Hamilton have not raced together in the same machinery again, though their careers have remained closely linked as two of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Alonso, despite not winning a race since 2013, continues to be regarded as one of the most talented drivers in Formula 1 history. His legacy, especially the head-to-head battle with Hamilton during their one season as teammates, remains a major part of his story in the sport.