‘Lewis is a fighter’ – Alonso and Russell back Hamilton to bounce back at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has been backed to turn his Ferrari form around by former team mates George Russell and Fernando Alonso after a difficult start to life with the Scuderia.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Hamilton sparked the driver transfer market into overdrive in February 2024 when he made the shock announcement that he would leave Mercedes and join Ferrari following the conclusion of that campaign.

Aside from a victory in the Chinese Sprint, however, Hamilton’s dream move has so far had its struggles – with a downbeat Hamilton even suggesting after Qualifying in Hungary that Ferrari needed to “change the driver”.

Ahead of the season resumption in the Netherlands, Hamilton dismissed these comments as a “heat of the moment” thing.

Asked how he sees Hamilton’s situation, Russell said: “We did speak away from the track before Hungary. I think it's a tough situation for him, for any driver who doesn't feel like they are performing to their potential, but F1 is so difficult, and Lewis is a fighter.

“I'm sure he's going to continue, but I can't really speak for him. Of course, as a friend, you wish him the best, but as a rival and competitor, you don't wish too much because we want to beat them!”

Alonso partnered with rookie Hamilton at McLaren in 2007 in a bitter campaign where the pair went head-to-head for the Drivers’ title, only to be pipped at the post by Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen – a crown that remains Ferrari’s most recent Drivers’ accolade.

Having also spent five years with Ferrari between 2010-14, Alonso has first-hand knowledge of both team and driver.

Pressed on what advice he would offer Hamilton, he said: “Difficult to say. I think from the outside, you never know for sure what is going on, but Lewis doesn't need to prove anything.

“He's an incredible driver and he will figure out sooner or later to be at the top pace. He and Ferrari will always be a combo that you need to respect a lot.”