Alonso symphatises with Rosberg over his rivalry with Hamilton

Fernando Alonso hinted at sympathising with Nico Rosberg as he battles Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton for the Formula One world title.

Hamilton has won the last two championships ahead of Rosberg as the Silver Arrows have left the rest of the paddock trailing in their wake.

Alonso is more than familiar with battling the Briton, having spent a fractious 2007 season in Hamilton’s company at McLaren.

Claims the British constructor favoured their home driver came to a head at the Hungarian Grand Prix that year, with Hamilton and Rosberg rowing at the Hungaroring this weekend – a coincidence not lost on Alonso.

“Yeah, it reminds me of things as well,” Alonso told Spanish radio COPE. “Let’s say Rosberg doesn’t have an easy team-mate.

“In that sense he’s very strong on track, very fast, he never makes a mistake.

“And off the track he has significant influence. Good luck to Rosberg with that (laughs).

“He can’t make a mistake anywhere because apart from being one of the best in the world, he can feel the pressure off the track as well.”

Hamilton has wiped out a 43-point deficit from his team-mate in recent months, and Alonso now believes the three-time champion is set for a fourth crown.

“Hamilton is in a good position,” Alonso added.

“He has the momentum coming from behind and in this sport, when you are coming from behind and you can catch the leader, you have something extra.

“And it’s the opposite for the driver who was leading and had a bit [of an] advantage: they catch you, they overtake you and you go into a mini crisis.

“So even though they are close on points, Hamilton now looks stronger and a better contender.”