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Fernando Alonso

Verstappen "more attractive" champion for F1 than Hamilton - Alonso

Fernando Alonso — Photo: © LAT Images
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Verstappen "more attractive" champion for F1 than Hamilton - Alonso

But Alonso conceded his sympathy for former team-mate Hamilton after Abu Dhabi controversy

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Fernando Alonso has expressed his sympathy for Lewis Hamilton but suggested Max Verstappen is the "more attractive" champion for F1.

Hamilton missed out on a record-breaking eighth world title when a confusing and controversial late safety car period allowed Verstappen to pit for soft tyres and close onto the Mercedes driver's gearbox for a last-lap shootout.

Asked if he felt sorry for Hamilton, the Briton having enjoyed an 11-second lead before the safety car was deployed, Alonso said: "Sure, sure, because Lewis was driving on another level, especially in the second half of the championship.

"The Mercedes was a faster car, yes, but Valtteri was not second. It was Lewis putting in that performance.

"So when you lose a championship because of the safety car in the last moment, for sure, you feel a little bit sorry."

Despite being able to sympathise with his former McLaren team-mate, Alonso remained convinced Verstappen was the correct champion.

"I had a little more 51-49 for Max and I was clear from the beginning," Alonso explained.

"I thought that over the season, there were a couple more unlucky moments for Max than for Lewis and the new sometimes is more attractive than the old.

"A new champion is good when you see the grandstand. If Max wins, one day, four or five championships, then a new guy will come and he will be the big attraction. That is what I feel now."

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