Lewis Hamilton rival Fernando Alonso takes swipe at F1 star over Ferrari move and hints he could be Mercedes replacement

FERNANDO ALONSO has raised doubts about Lewis Hamilton’s claim that driving for Ferrari had been a “childhood dream”. 

Hamilton recently dropped the bombshell that he would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025, leaving one of the best seats in F1 open for the taking.

Hamilton and Alonso were team-mates in 2007Rex

Alamy

The pair had a mighty fall out[/caption]

Alonso has since admitted a begruding respect for the seven-time world championAP:Associated Press

The seven-time world champion reportedly triggered a secret clause in his contract to sign the £100million deal with Ferrari.

Hamilton subsequently claimed driving for Ferrari had been a long-term ambition, saying: “I now have the chance to fulfil another childhood dream – driving in Ferrari red.”

Alonso evidently did not buy this and used the new launch of his new Aston Martin car to vent his frustration, saying: “It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no?

“Or two months ago, I guess. It was a different dream.”

He went on to add: “I hope he enjoys the experience. I think it’s a very special team. 

“But it’s more special when you win. It’s 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.”

It’s not the first time the F1 world has seen sparks flying between the pair.

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In Hamilton’s first season, 2007, the then McClaren team-mates had a mighty fall-out and Alonso’s contract was subsequently terminated.

Tensions have subsided since with Alonso even admitting a begrudging “respect” for the Brit. 

Only last year he said of Hamilton: “I have a lot of respect for him.

“After all, we have rarely coincided in our careers in the same place.”

But there could be a change in store as Alonso has now been tipped for Hamilton’s soon-to-be-vacated seat at the Silver Arrows. 

Alonso, 42, might be two-time world champion but he has not won a race since the 2013 season.

He’s flying at the moment though, finishing fourth in the championship after eight podium finishes.

His contract with Aston Martin expires this year and he seems to rate his chances for a shot elsewhere, saying: “I know that I am attractive to other teams. 

Alonso and Hamilton are no longer such fierce enemiesGetty Images - Getty

“I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. 

“Let’s see what the options are. I am aware of my situation which is very unique. 

“There are only three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.”

He added: “On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. 

“I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

“If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. 

“I trust this project and that will be my first priority.”