In a revealing commentary on the infamous rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, former McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa has weighed in on their dramatic showdown at the 2007 Monaco Grand Prix. According to de la Rosa, the race was firmly in Alonso’s grasp, despite the tensions brewing between the two drivers.
Back in 2007, Alonso joined McLaren after clinching consecutive world championships with Renault. He expected to be the undisputed number one driver, but rookie Hamilton had other plans. As they approached the Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton surprisingly led the drivers’ championship, holding a slim two-point edge over Alonso.
On race day, Alonso secured pole position while Hamilton started just behind him. The two teammates quickly established a commanding lead over the rest of the field, with only Felipe Massa in third place. However, as the race unfolded, Hamilton felt he was gaining on Alonso and expressed frustration over what he perceived as team orders that hindered his chance to compete for the win.
De la Rosa, reflecting on the events, stated that Hamilton’s concerns were unfounded. He emphasized that Alonso was in control throughout the race, noting that any time Hamilton appeared to close the gap was due to Alonso managing his pace. “In Monaco 2007, that race was 100 percent Fernando’s,” de la Rosa commented to Mundo Deportivo. He explained that Alonso’s slower pace in the latter stages was a strategic move to handle brake issues, not a sign of vulnerability.
Following the race, the FIA conducted an investigation into McLaren’s conduct but ultimately cleared the team of any wrongdoing. They deemed the team’s strategy to maintain positions as a standard practice to avoid risks, reaffirming that McLaren acted within the rules.
As the memories of that iconic race linger, fans are left wondering how different the narrative could have been had the rivalry unfolded without the clouds of controversy. What do you think?
