Journalist shares how Fernando Alonso reacted to Lewis Hamilton’s new Mercedes contract

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Journalist Jesus Balsiero has shared how Fernando Alonso reacted to Lewis Hamilton’s new contract at Mercedes.

Balseiro was speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

It was a rare occasion this season where the day was dominated by the action at the very front of the grid.

Carlos Sainz led front the front, but couldn’t hold off the unstoppable Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman won his tenth race on the bounce breaking the record once held by Sebastian Vettel.

While Verstappen continued to establish himself as one of Formula 1’s greatest-ever drivers, two racers already in that category were fighting further down the grid.

Lewis Hamilton finished sixth despite his five-second penalty for a crash with Oscar Piastri.

Fernando Alonso was further back in ninth but reacted earlier in the weekend to Hamilton’s new contract.

The veterans aren’t going anywhere just yet, with the Spaniard contracted for next season and Hamilton until 2025.

Whether they can challenge Verstappen or will simply be watching on as he continues to dominate is another matter.

Alonso reacts to Hamilton contract

Asked about Alonso’s reaction to the news, Jesus Balseiro said: “I spoke to Fernando [Alonso] right after the Lewis [Hamilton] news and he told me a good thing.

“He told me, ‘I would hire Lewis even when he is 80 years old’, of course, I think it’s related to what happened to Fernando at Alpine when they preferred [Oscar] Piastri.

“He means, I don’t care maybe the youngest driver on the grid or the fastest Formula 2 driver, I will always prefer Lewis because he’s beating his teammate.

“In Formula 1, the clock is the most important thing and not the age, maybe not even the championships you have.

“And Lewis Hamilton is so competitive every day that there’s no reason to believe that he won’t be in the car for these two years and maybe a few more.”

Although Alonso and Hamilton were once fierce rivals, he appears to be quite pleased with the news he’s extended his contract.

They’ll hope they get at least one more opportunity to fight for a race win before they both hang up their gloves.

Given Red Bull’s current domination, they might be waiting for some time.