Tony Kanaan dresses down not-so-humble Lewis Hamilton

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."

Alonso receives Indy 500 Rookie of the Year award

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.