JAKARTA – The biography of F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has come under fire for his criticism of two-time world champion Fernando Alonso. The book made headlines amid the Briton's preparations for this season's race.
Published in late 2021, “Lewis Hamilton: The definitive edition” is written by British author Frank Worral who worked as an F1 analyst for The Sun and Sunday Times. Worral has also previously worked on biographies of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
Hamilton's biography claims that Alonso was selfish and was always "angry" during his 2007 stint with the team with Hamilton.
Alonso and Hamilton were team-mates at McLaren for one season in 2007. However, their relationship quickly cracked when rumors emerged that Hamilton, then a rookie, was able to climb the main podium as much as Alonso, the marquee racer at the time.
This biography investigates the relationship Hamilton built during his early years in competitive karting, including with former McLaren team principal Ron Dennis after the pair met in 1995.
Additionally, the book delves into Hamilton's controversial relationship with Alonso during their only year together at McLaren which earned him a slew of criticism. Moreover, the book portrays Alonso in a negative light, while reinforcing Hamilton's achievements.
Citing an unnamed McLaren employee, the author wrote:
"It has caused a lot of commotion in the media that Alonso stated that we support Lewis [Hamilton] because he is British. But that is a lie. Ron [Dennis, then head of the McLaren team] would not let that happen. Alonso was almost always angry. Lewis, however, has something special. He is probably the best driver of his generation," Marca quoted him as saying.
The 2007 season was one of the most controversial in F1 history. At that time the title battle took place between Hamilton, Alonso, and Kimi Raikkonen. Raikkonen won the fight after winning just one point ahead of Alonso and Hamilton.
At that time, Raikkonen collected a total of 110 points, while Hamilton and Alonso respectively filled the next two places in the top three by pocketing 109 points each.
Apart from the extraordinary title race, this season is more remembered for the tumultuous relationship between Hamilton and Alonso at McLaren and the 2007 Formula One espionage Scandal otherwise known as "SpyGate".
Alonso, the defending champion at the time, was eyeing a third successive title. However, he was frustrated because Hamilton managed to provide competitive competition.
This is what makes the Spaniard disappointed with the team. Because he expects full support from them for the title.
The controversial book further claims that Lewis Hamilton was "more famous" than Fernando Alonso in Spain. The passage quoted British journalist Rory Ross, who stated:
"Hamilton is more famous in Spain than Alonso himself. It doesn't matter how much Hamilton annoys Alonso. The Spaniard sacrificed himself. He tried to destabilize Lewis and undermine his confidence. Alonso was, at times, very insensitive, rude and overbearing. The public had a hard time admiring him and he seemed to let the boy [Hamilton] bother him. Lewis was always friendly and approachable."
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