IndyCar driver and 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan chided Lewis Hamilton for a rather derogatory comment the Mercedes driver delivered last week.
Hamilton took a gibe at Fernando Alonso's level of performance in qualifying for the Indy 500.
"To see him fifth against drivers who are there all year is ... interesting," mischievously said the Briton.
But Kanaan took the opportunity to hit back on Monday evening at the traditional Indy 500 banquet.
"What can I say? The guy (Hamilton) competed in a two-car world championship last year and was second, so I don't think he can say much," the Brazilian quipped.
"It was a pleasure to have Fernando here. He is humble, not like some of his colleagues who were making comments this month."
For his part, Alonso acknowledged that F1 has its competitiveness problems.
"I think F1 is very healthy right now," he told EFE news agency.
"But there is still a lot of difference between teams, and little room for improvisation and surprises.
"More or less you know who will win the races," Alonso added.
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