Fernando Alonso says his intense training schedule last week meant that the bombshell news of Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari in 2025 initially passed him by.
But even after learning about his former McLaren teammate’s signing with the Scuderia, the Aston Martin driver’s first reaction was to shrug off the sensational move.
While seemingly dismissive of Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes to join Ferrari, Alonso admitted to being puzzled by the reasons behind the choice.
“I didn't spend too much time [thinking about it]. I was training actually that day,” he told the media on Sunday.
“I missed all the stress from everybody. So, I was just one day late on the news.
“[It] probably was a surprise, I will not lie. But not because the change itself. It was just because, from the outside, it seemed like he was very linked with Mercedes and very loyal to them and things like that. It was a little bit unexpected.
“I don't know the reasons behind; I don't know anything. I don't know the story. I didn't pay too much attention.”
Upon confirming his move to Maranello via social media, Hamilton expressed that he now has the opportunity to fulfill another childhood dream of driving in Ferrari red.
However, Alonso raised skepticism about this particular reason for the move, suggesting that the seven-time world champion appeared to have different aspirations just a few months prior.
“It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no? Or two months ago, I guess. It was a different dream,” commented the Spaniard who spent five seasons racing for Ferrari.
“I hope he enjoys the experience. I think it's a very special team. But it’s more special when you win. It's a few years already [since] they have a very fast car and they were fighting for big things.
“Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship because the car is there.
“At the end of last year, even with a very dominant Red Bull car, Ferrari [was] still able to match the lap time and to be faster than them in most of the qualifying.
“So, I think the car should be fast enough.”
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
