Hamilton backs Alonso's talent after veteran seals Aston Martin deal through 2027

Lewis Hamilton’s public endorsement of Fernando Alonso has spread rapidly across social media after the Ferrari driver told reporters in Sepang that many rivals at the front of the grid simply cannot match the Spaniard’s raw ability.

The remarks came in the wake of Alonso signing a contract extension with Aston Martin that will keep him at the Silverstone-based outfit through at least the end of 2027 — meaning he will be racing in Formula 1 at the age of 46.

“There’s a lot of drivers at the front who can’t compete with Fernando, in pure talent. He’s just not able to show that at the moment,” Hamilton said ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.

The comments landed warmly with fans online. “Game recognises game,” one Reddit user wrote, while another added: “I like it when they occasionally say nice things about each other.” A third joked: “Heartwarming to see the youngins getting along.” On Instagram, one commenter wrote: “Lewis proving why he is a legend…”, and another expressed hope that “Aston can right the ship for Fernando so he can fight for points again.”

Alonso, who made his Formula 1 debut at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, has now accumulated 440 grand prix starts across stints with Minardi, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Alpine and Aston Martin. His career record includes two world championship titles — in 2005 and 2006 — along with 32 race wins, 106 podium finishes and 22 pole positions.

The backdrop to his extension is a difficult 2026 campaign for Aston Martin, who have been hampered by car and power unit problems. The team currently sits tenth in the constructors’ championship with just three points, making Alonso’s continued commitment a statement of faith in the project’s longer-term potential rather than a reflection of present competitiveness.

Hamilton, now in his first season with Ferrari, has himself been navigating a new chapter after leaving Mercedes at the end of 2024. His willingness to speak candidly about a long-time rival — and occasional adversary — appears to have struck a chord with fans who have followed both drivers across more than two decades of the sport.