Alonso Names Hamilton Best, Dismissing Vettel’s Credentials
Fernando Alonso has publicly stated he does not rate Sebastian Vettel as Formula One’s top driver, instead naming Lewis Hamilton as his pick during the 2014 season.
Fernando Alonso openly questioned Sebastian Vettel’s status as Formula One’s top talent in September 2014, stating that Lewis Hamilton was the best driver on the grid. Alonso’s remarks followed a season in which Vettel, the reigning quadruple world champion, was being outperformed by new Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo.
Speaking to Italy’s La Stampa in the run-up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Alonso said he was not surprised by Vettel’s difficulties that year. “In my opinion, Lewis Hamilton is the best driver,” Alonso told the publication, adding that he had not changed his mind about Vettel despite the German’s previous dominance.
Vettel’s struggles against Ricciardo
Vettel’s 2014 season contrasted sharply with his run of four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013. As Red Bull adapted to new hybrid regulations, Vettel was consistently outpaced by Ricciardo, who had joined the team from Toro Rosso. Ricciardo scored three wins to Vettel’s none in the first 13 races of the year, and the Australian was ahead in the championship standings by the time of Alonso’s comments.
Vettel’s difficulties were attributed by some to the new turbo-hybrid power units and changes in car dynamics, which appeared to suit Ricciardo’s driving style more. Red Bull’s management, including Christian Horner, publicly backed Vettel, but the performance gap was a talking point throughout the paddock.
Hamilton’s form in 2014
Alonso’s endorsement of Hamilton came as the Mercedes driver was mounting a strong title challenge against teammate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton had already secured multiple wins that year and was in contention for his second world championship. Mercedes’ dominance in the new hybrid era made Hamilton’s performances even more prominent, and Alonso’s comments reflected the prevailing view in the paddock that Hamilton was extracting the most from the machinery at his disposal.
Alonso’s remarks added to ongoing debates about the relative contributions of car and driver in F1 success. While Vettel’s run of titles had come with Red Bull’s technical superiority, his struggles in 2014 raised questions about his adaptability. Hamilton, meanwhile, was capitalising on Mercedes’ advantage but was also widely credited for his racecraft and consistency.
Reactions and implications
Alonso’s comments were seen as part of the wider narrative around Vettel’s reputation. Some observers noted that public statements from rivals often reflected ongoing competitive tensions as well as genuine opinion. For Vettel, the 2014 season marked the end of his first spell at Red Bull before his move to Ferrari the following year.
The debate over who was the best driver in Formula One continued throughout the season, with Alonso’s view adding another layer to the discussion as the sport’s new hybrid era took shape.
