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Alonso feels for Rosberg: ’Hamilton not an easy team mate'

Fernando Alonso believes Nico Rosberg will have his work cut out for him at Mercedes for the rest of the season now that Lewis Hamilton has the wind in his back.

Alonso spent a year at McLaren as Hamilton's team mate in 2007 and experienced firsthand what it is like to go up against the British driver when the momentum is in his stride.

Speaking to Spanish radio COPE, Alonso said that the defending world champion is now his favourite to take this year's title while Rosberg cannot afford any mistakes.

“Hamilton is in a good position,” the Spaniard said. “He has the momentum coming from behind and in this sport, when you are coming from behind and you can catch the leader, you have something extra.

“And it's the opposite for the driver who was leading and had a bit of an advantage: they catch you, they overtake you and you go into a mini crisis.

“So even though they are close on points, now Hamilton looks stronger and a better contender.”

The bickering which opposed Hamilton and Rosberg after last Sunday's Hungarian GP over a controversial call by the stewards about how the German dealt with yellow flags during qualifying reminded Alonso of an episode which opposed him to Hamilton at the Hungaroring in 2007.

Back then, the Spaniard had been penalised for having blocked his team mate in the pits, and preventing Hamilton from achieving a last ditch effort in qualifying.

“Yeah, it reminds me of things as well. Let's say Rosberg doesn't have an easy teammate,” Alonso added.

“In that sense he's very strong on track, very fast, he never makes a mistake. And off the track he has significant influence. Good luck to Rosberg with that!

“He can't make a mistake anywhere because apart from being one of the best in the world, he can feel the pressure off the track as well.”

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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.