He is the F1 driver Lewis Hamilton claimed was ‘more active’ than Fernando Alonso, but he only won a single race

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Throughout his 19 seasons in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has had his fair share of competitive teammates.

In the present day, he arguably has his toughest test yet in his first season with Ferrari. The seven-time champion is partnered with Charles Leclerc, who has been well-established in Maranello since 2019.

The intra-team battle between Leclerc and Hamilton is set to be one of the most entertaining of the 2025 season. But it will be far from the 40-year-old’s most controversial fight with his teammate.

Hamilton could not have asked for a tougher opponent when he made his debut at McLaren in 2007. Two-time reigning champion Fernando Alonso moved from Renault to the Woking outfit – what followed was huge controversy.

Hamilton and Alonso clashed numerous times throughout the season as they fought for the title – the pair both lost to Kimi Raikkonnen by one point. Alonso ‘never’ understoood how Hamilton matched his pace from the off as a rookie, becoming an instant title contender.

Disgruntled at McLaren, the Spaniard returned to Renault for the 2008 campaign. His replacement would be the man who took his spot at Enstone, who, like Hamilton, had just had his rookie season in F1.

Lewis Hamilton claimed Heikki Kovalainen was ‘more active’ than Fernando Alonso at McLaren but won just one race

Heikki Kovalainen made an instant impression in F1 in 2007, collecting one podium and finishing level on points with his experienced teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

The Finn swapped places with Alonso in 2008 to partner Hamilton, and the pair’s relationship ‘couldn’t be better.’ While Kovalainen did not give anything away about his title chances, the Brit recognised he was a ‘great talent.’

Speaking with Autosport before the season, Hamilton said his new teammate was ‘more active’ than Alonso at McLaren. While he went on to win the 2008 title, Kovalainen won his only F1 race at Budapest that year, finishing seventh with 53 points.

“I think he’s not showing his cards yet and he’s playing it down a little. Everyone knows that he is very, very competitive. At least I do and he’s got a great talent. I am sure he’s going to be pushing me just as much as I push him.

“He’s been a lot more active in the team than any other driver I’ve seen. We’ve been playing tennis, basketball and we’ve done our fitness trip together. It’s great to see him participating in everything.”

READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

What happened to Heikki Kovalainen after the 2008 F1 season?

While Kovalainen tasted glory for the first and only time in F1 in 2008, it would unfortunately go downhill from there for the Finn.

McLaren regressed in 2009 under the new regulations, with Kovalainen scoring just 22 points and finishing 12th. He was subsequently dropped by the team at the end of the season.

Kovalainen joined newcomers Lotus – later Caterham – for 2010 and spent three seasons with the team. The Finn produced some impressive drives with his desperately underdeveloped cars, which ultimately led him to score no points.

Staying on as a reserve driver for 2013, Kovalainen replaced fellow compatriot Raikkonen at Lotus Renault for the final two races, finishing 14th in both. The 43-year-old left F1 at the end of the season and went on to have great success in Super GT and rallying in Japan.

After recovering from open heart surgery last year, Kovalainen is set to return to motorsport activities in 2025, competing in selected rounds of the Italian Rally Championship.