The Spanish press is beginning to wonder if the hype surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s impressive formula one debut this year is starting to rattle world champion Fernando Alonso.
Even McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh has jumped aboard the bandwagon of rhetoric, telling British newspapers last week that there is “no reason” why 22-year-old Hamilton cannot become “the greatest driver ever”.
The unavoidable corollary of such comments, of course, is that the same prophecy of greatness is not also forthcoming for Alonso; who won the titles in 2005 and 2006 and is the only McLaren driver so far this year to win a race.
Spanish reporters in Bahrain asked 25-year-old Alonso if he is still feeling the full support of his team.
“That is a question you will have to ask (team boss) Ron Dennis,” he answered simply.
