Image:Congratulations: Alonso and race-winner Massa
Former McLaren Mercedes team-mate Fernando Alonso has declared Lewis Hamilton to be a deserved World Champion.
"I congratulate him," Spaniard says
Former McLaren Mercedes team-mate Fernando Alonso has declared Lewis Hamilton to be a deserved World Champion.
Alonso endured a fractious relationship with Hamilton during their year together at McLaren and gave an indication of his lingering resentment last month when he vowed to do all he could to help Ferrari's Felipe Massa win the title.
But in the wake of Hamilton's last-gasp triumph at Interlagos, Alonso refused to underplay the Briton's achievement in breaking his own record to become F1's youngest-ever champion.
"In the end, Lewis won and scored more points and the driver who scores the most is the best driver," the Spaniard observed. "Lewis deserves his time and I congratulate him."
Alonso finished second to Felipe Massa in the race, with Hamilton taking the title after passing Timo Glock for fifth place just yards from the chequered flag.
According to reports, the double World Champion even made a point of visiting the McLaren garage - possibly for the first time this year - to congratulate his rival.
"Well done," the 2005 and 2006 title-winner is reported to have said as he put an arm around Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Renault are expected to announce on Wednesday their driver line-up for the 2009 season, with Alonso poised to remain with the team for at least another year.
