Triple Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has ignited a barrage of criticism after he questioned the depth of talent in Indycar racing after Fernando Alonso’ impressive showing at this year’s Indy 500.
After Alonso qualified in fifth, Hamilton is quoted by L’Equipe saying, “I looked at the times and, frankly, for his first ever qualifying for Fernando to be fifth — what does that say about Indy?”
Tony Kanaan was one of the first to respond to Hamilton’s apparently disparaging remarks, “What can I say? The guy (Hamilton) competed in a two-car world championship last year and was second, so I don’t think he can say much.”
“It was a pleasure to have Fernando here. He is humble, not like some of his colleagues who were making comments this month,” added the Brazilian veteran.
Other reactive comments followed, with Canada’s James Hinchcliffe quipping, “It’s funny hearing comments about the depth of our field from someone that only has to race three other cars.”
Graham Rahal, who won this past weekend’s IndyCar race in Detroit, said, “When I saw Lewis Hamilton’s comment, you guys know me, it took me everything I had in my body not to say something.”
“Legitimately, in Formula 1, over his entire career, it’s been a two-car race. Four max. IndyCar racing, this is the seventh race, seventh different winner. That doesn’t happen in other motor sports. Period.
“No matter what anybody wants to say, it’s a great form of motor sports. I can’t imagine the feeling of going to each and every race weekend and knowing that all I got to do is beat my teammate and I’m going to win. But that doesn’t happen here.”
“Look, the truth? I put Scott Dixon in a Mercedes all day long, and Lewis is going to have more than he really wants to deal with. I can guarantee you that. Maybe not me, but Scott Dixon,” insisted Rahal.
This year’s Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato, who competed in 90 Formula 1 races, said, “I’m quite surprised a champion like Lewis Hamilton said that. It is a little sad, because he should respect all the competitors.”
“Formula 1 is Formula 1. We know that it’s a pinnacle. But at the same time, the Indy 500 is also another pinnacle. You can’t really directly compare until you are in IndyCar and you don’t know how hard the competition here is.”
“Fernando [Alonso] is one of the best drivers in the world. Given that circumstance Alonso only had ten days practice at the track. He qualified well. He’s a great driver.”
“I have respect for [Hamilton] but I don’t respect that comment,” added the Japanese driver.
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