Ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert has claimed that Fernando Alonso is supportive of Max Verstappen as a result of a “lingering bitterness” from the Spaniard in direction of Lewis Hamilton after their time collectively at McLaren.
Alonso has been vocal in his assist for Verstappen through the years.
The Aston Martin driver lauded Verstappen throughout final weekend’s Chinese language Grand Prix for his sensational pole lap.
Alonso described Verstappen’s lap at Suzuka as a “magical second” and steered no different driver on the grid might have repeated the Dutchman’s feat in qualifying.
Alonso additionally stated after the race that Verstappen’s underdog heroics reminded him of his 2012 title bid after successful the Japanese GP.
When driving for Ferrari, Alonso famously fought for the title till the ultimate race regardless of by no means having the quickest automobile.
Nonetheless, Herbert thinks that Alonso’s backing of Verstappen is linked to his poor relationship with Hamilton.
Talking to PokerFirma, Herbert stated: “I perceive why Fernando Alonso may be very supportive of Max Verstappen. Max and Fernando haven’t been teammates. Lewis and Fernando have been teammates.
”It was a two-time world champion in Alonso who was stuffed with confidence on the high of his sport at McLaren in 2007. He anticipated Hamilton because the younger whippersnapper, to be simply beatable.
“And it didn’t occur that means. So then that combat occurred that season harmed the connection on the finish of the day from that time on. Purely as a result of Lewis got here in with a mighty bang and Alonso didn’t have all of it his personal means. And he’s most likely nonetheless received a lingering bitterness due to what occurred at McLaren.
“I get that as a driver. You do get annoyed whenever you absolutely imagine that you are able to do the job, and he most likely felt he wasn’t supported as a lot as he felt he ought to have been by Ron Dennis.
“So anyway, respect to Max. He’s the man that’s delivering even when he went right into a weekend saying, ‘I’ve received no likelihood.’”
Lewis Hamilton beats Fernando Alonso in his rookie season
Hamilton and Alonso went head-to-head at McLaren in 2007.
Whereas Hamilton was only a rookie – and Alonso the reigning world champion – the pair proved to be some of the explosive driver lineups in F1 historical past.
The duo ended the season degree on factors – 109 every – however one level behind Kimi Raikkonen within the drivers’ championship.
Hamilton completed forward of Alonso within the drivers’ championship courtesy of countback.
It was a controversial season for McLaren with accusations of favouritism.
Alonso took issues into his personal arms on the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix.
He intentionally left his pit field late in qualifying, which means that Hamilton couldn’t get again out on observe to get a quick time.
It might let Alonso take pole, though he was hit with a grid penalty.
McLaren had been additionally disqualified from the constructors’ standings after they had been discovered responsible of possessing Ferrari’s mental property.
They had been fined $100 million by the FIA.
