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Fernando Alonso Says Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari Will Always Be a Combo to Respect

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 9:46 AM ET

Fernando Alonso has delivered a powerful show of respect for Lewis Hamilton, insisting that the seven-time world champion’s partnership with Ferrari deserves patience and admiration despite its early struggles.

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025 was one of the most seismic driver switches in modern F1 history, but the opening races have been challenging. While Ferrari continues its pursuit of Red Bull and McLaren at the front of the grid, Hamilton has faced scrutiny as he adapts to a new car, a new team, and a new chapter in his career.

When asked about Hamilton’s adjustment, Alonso himself a former Ferrari driver who knows the unique pressures of racing in red — dismissed any notion that the Briton has something to prove.

“From the outside you never know for sure what is going on,” Alonso said. “But Lewis doesn’t need to prove anything. He’s an incredible driver and he will figure out sooner or later how to be at the top pace. He and Ferrari will be always a combo that you need to respect a lot.”

Coming from Alonso, those words carry weight. The two drivers shared one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries when they were teammates at McLaren in 2007, and their battles have defined more than a decade of F1 history.

Ferrari’s reputation as the most iconic team in F1 also amplifies Alonso’s statement. Driving for the Scudeira brings immense pride but also enormous pressure. Hamilton, who has conquered every challenge since his debut in 2007, is now navigating that same weight of expectation — and Alonso believes his former rival will rise to it.

| '[Lewis] and Ferrari will be always a combo that you need to respect a lot' says Fernando Alonso when asked about Sir Lewis Hamilton's "struggles" at Ferrari:

"I think from the outside you never know for sure what is going on but Lewis doesn't need to prove anything. He's an…
— sim (@simsgazette) August 28, 2025

In an era where rivalries often dominate headlines, Alonso’s words stand out for their balance of respect and perspective. Hamilton may still be finding his footing in Maranello, but the combination of his experience and Ferrari’s heritage makes this partnership one of the most compelling storylines of the season.

For Alonso, there is no doubt: Hamilton and Ferrari together command respect and sooner or late, the results will follow.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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