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Hamilton admits to 'toxic' relationship with Alonso

Lewis Hamilton says that the his troubled co-existence at McLaren with Fernando Alonso back in 2007 was based on a 'toxic' relationship, and one which affected the whole team.

As pundits continue to speculate on the McLaren drivers' future, the prospect of seeing Alonso move to Mercedes has emerged.

But a rekindled Hamilton/Alonso pairing could revive the tensions which blew the relationship between the two drivers apart in 2007, although Alonso contends that his beef at the time was with McLaren supremo Ron Dennis rather than with his team mate.

But when asked if he would want to be associated with Alonso again, Hamilton told Spain's El Pais:

"It's not just about me, but the hundreds of people working in the team.

"My relationship with Fernando was toxic and it intoxicated the whole team.

"So yes it was personal. There are people with whom you get along and others who you cannot coexist with in any way," said Hamilton.

"If you put two world champions in the same team, each will try to do his best and neither will give way on a single corner. There is too much friction."

But the Briton said that in the years since the "toxic" McLaren season, he actually now gets along with Alonso.

"Formula 1 is a show and there are very few drivers who are able to make it that show," said Hamilton.

"There's Alonso, Vettel, myself ... So I hope they (McLaren) can solve the problems he is having with his team."

 

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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.

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