Fernando Alonso’s ex-mechanic claims Ron Dennis’s manipulation led to the Spaniard’s infamous 2007 Hungary GP pitlane antics

Fernando Alonso had an infamous incident with Lewis Hamilton, when he obstructed Hamilton's qualifyigng lap at the 2007 Hungary GP.

Fernando Alonso’s ex-mechanic claims Ron Dennis’s manipulation led to the Spaniard’s infamous 2007 Hungary GP pitlane antics

Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Ron Dennis (Via IMAGO)

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton’s rivalry has gone down in history as one of the most competitive to take place in F1. The two talents spent only one year in 2007 together as teammates but caused a rift in the McLaren team at that time. Ron Dennis, team principal and majority owner of McLaren at the time, had brought Lewis Hamilton into the team for his rookie season. After a bitter rivalry between the two drivers, the season was marked by battle from both sides. 

Notably, Alonso had a moment in the pitlane where he blocked Hamilton to delay his qualifying lap at the Hungarian Grand Prix. A former mechanic for Alonso, Chris Hassey alleged that after Dennis for Hamilton and introduced him to McLaren alongside Alonso, the Spaniard became aware of manipulation on Dennis’s part which caused his Hungary antics.

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When Hamilton arrived at McLaren with Fernando, I think that was when Fernando realized that there were manipulative things behind the scenes.

Chris Hassey said, as reported by mundodeportivo.com

Hamilton and Alonso’s partnership ended after the 2007 season after both drivers ended the season equal on points. Alonso moved back to Renault, while Hamilton stayed on with McLaren, winning the first of his seven championships just the following year.

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Ron Dennis recalls Fernando Alonso’s incorrect Lewis Hamilton predictions

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton’s 2007 partnership was a bitter rivalry that ended unfortunately for both drivers. Both drivers ended the season level on points, just one behind the tally of the champion Kimi Raikkonen for Ferrari.

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton via Sky Sports F1

The team principal Ron Dennis, was suspected of favouritism towards the rookie Lewis Hamilton. Dennis recalled a conversation about the young Briton that he had with Alonso when the Spaniard incorrectly predicted that Hamilton would not have a successful career in the sport.

He didn’t feel that Lewis was going to be much of a threat or much of a points scorer, which I look back on and smile. Because it was on, you know, how wrong he was.
Ron Dennis said, recalling a conversation with Fernando Alonso

Lewis Hamilton has since gone on to win seven world championships, one of them with McLaren. Meanwhile, Alonso has had a less decorated career, with unfortunate decisions leading to the 42-year-old not winning a championship since his 2006 title.

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