Until the 2006 season, when Alonso dominated the F1 track and declared his arrival in the presence of Michael Schumacher in his best car (technologically), I was of the opinion, 2007 is Alonso’s season. Graduating from Renault to McLaren for Alonso was a 2 thumbs up. We heard that a Briton rookie Lewis Hamilton would be his No. 2, but we were confident 2007 is going to be Alonso’s.
Hamilton redifined the term rookie, and was defintely not a rookie when compared with Heiki Kovalinen of Renault. Hamilton made 5/5 podium finishes and until last Monaco race was leading the Driver’s title and ahead of Alonso by 2 points. Now, thats not a rookie!
What’s happening with Alonso, btw?
A colleague and I were discussing and we got it confirmed from reports/interviews/blogs that Alonso was driving on Bridgestone now (earlier he drove on Michelin) and was getting used to it. Let’s give the benefit of doubt to the world champion. Another possible problem that Alonso could be facing is the pressure from "rookie" Hamilton. With all the British media hype and coverage and claims of Hamilton being in the race for the title, Alonso could be facing a dual pressure to defend his title and also prove better than Hamilton.
If we have seen the 5 Race Days, Hamilton made no mistakes except for the one in the qualifying session in Monaco. Alonso has been aggressive too. Hamilton has made statements of Alonso being asked to drive on a lesser fuel load, and thats why the speed.
Monaco 2007, as we all know went into controversy within the team, although team boss Ron Dennis denied any favoritism for Alonso, but he is aware that he has got a lot to deal with.
Alonso needs to do it in Monte Carlo too, anything less than pole position may not help. Although retirements are a surety in Monte Carlo, Alonso needs to stay away. As for Hamilton, he will go flat out, and is aware that there a lot of opportunities to overtake.
Let’s watch this space out and njoy!