So many Spanish experts - got to be a first time for everything!!
Alonso's always been a win at any cost spoilt brat whinger. Undoubtedly a hugely talented driver, but a flawed champion as well, his conduct in the Ferrari affair leaves one wondering about the man's integrity. How long has he needed that biased edge to bring him his success?
Hamilton is the real deal; anyone who denies his phenomenal success as a rookie or attributes it to his team mate must be truly blinkered. He does leave me a bit cold though.......
Bring back the good old days when racing drivers smoked Marlboro and wore chunky gold bracelets! Nico's dad rules!!

Adam, Brisbane, Oz

I still think that in the spying affair it was a big mistake not to disqualify the McLaren drivers as well," di Montezemolo said. "It means that if Hamilton wins the championship, he will also win it thanks to Ferrari because there is a lot of Ferrari in his car."

Is di Montezemolo a Spaniard?

raggy, Kirkcaldy, Scotland

To: Chris Hoult, Darlington, UK
I could not agree more with you, I finally find somebody with an objective point of view. In Spain there are people who don't like Alonso because he always says plainly just what he has in mind, and perhaps in our society nowadays (not only the spanish one) we aren't ready to hear the truth, we'd rather hear pleasant words and people saying what they should rather than what they really think.
greetings to all (both alonso an hamilton fans) and... may the best man win

Ioana, Valladolid, Spain

Where are Hamilton`s e-mails?

Tato Dulanci, Vitoria, Spain

This year neither in Moto GP nor in F1 the champion will be the best driver. The difference is that Stoner hadn´t needed director´s help, Hamilton had indeed. And not only by avoiding to ban him but banning Alonso when LH recquired so.

What I can´t understand is how Alonso in that chauvinistic, pro-british (= pro-Hamitlon) atmosphere had displayed such terrific performances.

Marco, Gijon, Spain

I find it strange that there seems to be some sort of battle lines drawn here, either pro-Alonso or pro-Hamilton. I'm British & of course I would like to see a British world champion (LH?) but that does not mean that I cannot appreciate the skill & talent of Alonso.

I saw little wrong with the way Alonso was treated at the beginning of the season but I would say that things are not stacking up well against him now. I do not mean by that that I think he is not getting equal equipment. I do, however, think that the atmosphere in the team is not very supportive of Alonso & that cannot be the best preparation for a final run at the championship. I think Alonso must take some of the blame for this (some of his comments & a lack of support at the hearing were surely contributors) but so must Lewis who is undeniably stoking the fire now. For sure they're both playing mind games to try to unsettle the other.

It'll be fascinating to see if Alonso will stay next year, May the best man win

Chris Hoult, Darlington, UK

Dieter and Vicky,
Alonso makes less mistakes?
Alonso is a better driver than Hamilton?
there is a wall at the Fuji circuit which would beg to differ your view that Alon ;-)

Stuart Rowland, Oxford, UK

hamilton has been so lucky... alonso has developed the car¡¡¡ think about it

Peter, Southampton,

After the F1 season has ended, there will be much more to come out about the dispute between Mclaren, the F1 authorities, and Ferrari, that is why the drivers championship remains as it is, and only the constructors points have been deducted.

As to anything that is said about Lewis Hamilton, he has the potential to become the greatest F1 driver of all time. It's the story we all dream of seeing, an ordinary bloke works hard to give his son the best start possible. And the son, who has good manners, and a likeable presentable face for the cameras. All I want to see now is Mclaren drop Alonso at the end of the season, and Jenson Button taken on, now that would make for a brilliant 2008 season !!!!!!

Dave Cook, Broadstone, Dorset, England

Some interesting debate but lets not get too carried away with the one line snipes at either driver. I've seen some comments relatring to how lucky Hamilton was to be restarted having spun out in the wet earlier in the season. Lucky indeed but lets not be mistaken as to its effect on the championship - he scored no points that race.

The suggestion that thje whole performance improvement of the car was down to Alonso is unlikely I would suggest. Lets not forget how recently McLaren were at he forefront winning races. Maybe not last season but after such a poor season surely they'd have been working on this year's car for quite some time.

For sure Alonso sharing information with Hamilton will have helped him this season & I sure his learning curve would not have been so steep without him. I think maybe Alonso still has the edge overall given his experience but for me that does not take away from Hamilton being a great future prospect & would make him no less a worthy champion

Chris Hoult, Darlington, UK

Dear Mike,

From another "spaniard", alonso will not put number 2 in his car, he will put another odd number.

Ah, and of course, the justice of FIA is, at least, very strange.

bye

AM, salou, spain

Out of the blue Lewis Hamilton has throught skill determination and genuine hard effort become the one interesting thing that has happend to Formula one in a long time , Namely a rookie who has shown what real talent can do without the prima dona act put up by others .

Paul, Sutton Coldfield, Great Britain

Dieter,

I expect the "best" driver will be the one that wins the race dont you?

Hamilton is leading the constuctors championship AND is on pole position today.

I think you should ask yourself why you made that comment when all Ha,ilton has done is have the temrity to beat the incumbent Spaniard world champion from the number 2 car seat.

Is the answer to that question, why did you make the comment, "nasty" ? Yes, I think so. I think its VERY nasty

Mike Coulten, Newmarket, UK

Do not worry, poor little Hamilton. Papa Dennis and the FIA, -under the pressure of The British Empire,will do their best to help you win the title, despite your inferiority in the tracks.

On the other hand, do worry, poor little Hamilton. This might not be enough, after all Alonso is much better driver than you are

Dieter, Munich,

I know the Times is a British newspaper, but my god, looking at your web page, one would think Formula One was nothing but a guy named Lewis Hamilton, with a few supporting players. Shameless.

Barry Kalb, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

why the best supported rookie ever is crying all time?
what will happen in future if he is not on top? will he spend all day grumbling?

Piero, Padova, Italia

First:It's difficult to bellieve that Hamilton didn't know anything about ferrarigate.So he's lucky to pass so innocent on this affair.Because FIA said that someones who had known and hadn't admitted his fault would be penalised.Yes, Lewis is so lucky
Second: Alonso gave prizes to his mechanics(And I say HIS mechanics) when he was at Renault and this weren`t a problem.
Third: If Alonso goes to Ferrari then you'll see the really Alonso and the really Hamilton, and the really difference between them.And you'll see all development that Alonso Brought to McLaren.(and the unjust treatment that he received a McLaren)
Then Hamilton will need all the luck

Ritch, Valencia, Spain

Bizarre and unsatisfactory?
You obviously didn't read the transcripts:

1) to have stolen the Ferrari spec was sufficient to have been thrown out. Mclaren will add lie upon lie to FIA, but there are some that will defend them anyway.

2) The dossier goes on to reveal endless cases where Mclaren Mercedes used and copied the Ferrari data. There are endless examples from wieght distribution in simulator, braking system details, spoilers - all info Mclaren asked for specifically - but it needs to be stressed THAT POINT 1 (stealing and cheating alone) WAS SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT MCLAREN BEING THROWN OUT, something which hasn't happened.

Trevor, Bristol, England

The only reason Alonso is still currently behing lewis in the standings is because the FIA decided to move him 5 places down the field in Hungary, and not because he makes more mistakes than Hamilton (which in my opinion is completely false). I used to be a huge McLaren Fan, living in Woking etc... and have to say that I am very dissapointed with the way McLaren have treated Alonso throughout the season.
I now work and live in Spain and am in complete agreement with the mayority of Spanish fans. Alonso has been 'used' to help create a british F1 champion - as simple as that.
Really hope Alonso wins the championship this year - he deserves it (certainly more thn Lewis - sorry)

Vic, Woking,

Hamilton....shame shame...i cannot understand all the British press, and supporters...where have you been all these years? Now all of a sudden Homilton is God's gift to Formula 1....So so narrow minded...Now you have a driver who actually has the car and the ability to win the title, but i do not think that will happen...Alonso has been given a sniff....and in the last say...6 races, hamilton has not really been a match for Alonso....wake up and smell the coffee Britain....3rd time in a Row for Alonso...no question...the momentum has swung.....deal with it...
ps...Im not a Alonso fan, and Im not a Mclaren fan, but he is very very good...Dont tell me Hamilton is better than Schumacher, cause if you do that i feel for you and once again...you'll be narrow minded, and lets not forget, Fernando beat him under great pressure last season. I've supported Ferrari since i can remember and they probably have next years world champion in their line-up....depending on reliability

Gerhard Rautenbach, Johannesburg, South Africa

Hamilton has always copied ALonso´s work, so if Alonso falls, he should fall!!!Anyway ferrari should be out too!!!
Alonso will be champion and will go to Renault and next year Hamilton´s dad can make his car evolution

Carlos, Helsinki, Finland

Mr. Dickinson:

Do you really think Lewis is a poor unlucky boy? All the rookies start their careers in small teams, but Lewis starts it in Mc Laren as first driver, and with the world´s best driver setting up his car.
That nonsensical situation would not happen in a serious team as Ferrari.
I hope next year Ferrari get Alonso to win the title. The best car deserves the best pilot.

Regards

Gianni, Padova, Italia

Well, it's obvious McLaren had 780 pages then McLared (and pilots) out. But, this British victimism (if they don't win) I can't stand: please, read and tell that was Alonso who informed Ecclestone about the papers before Denis: Denis did it because he knew something was going to happen. Alonso told him. Loner, recluse and even you says he is paying mechanics (please, a journalist has to verify the information: Alonso did it once, at the beginning and the intention was other: make a team and share victoires. Denis had another point of view, for example, not wanting Montoya's family around and so on. Alonso has proved being a master in strategy, a real machiavello (perhaps is learning Italian as well): before being expelled from McLaren, he decided to focus on his situation the attention: FIA and newspaper: he is getting NOW what he was denied from the beginning. Of course, he is alone, but he knows the business and doesn't need Denis' support or approval.

Ng Chan , TAipa Macao, Macao

Riccardo, I am really sorry that Alonso has this image you tell outside Spain. I think the beginning of all of this was that after many years, F1 British fans found a driver who was able to win the world championship and this turned F.A. in the public enemy for L.H. in the UK. After Mclaren has been fined its strategy is blaming the "bad guy" who wants to leave home, because this will distract the attention from the real guilties.
Mr. Dennis made a mistake spying Ferrari, but his greatest mistake is letting British and German press publish all these lies of Alonso because his image is getting better in Italy, and he is closer than ever to Ferrari. Do you really think the team McLaren-Hamilton is able to win the team Ferrari-Alonso?

David, Segovia, Spain

Dennis should have told the FIA (Ferrari Italian Association) to shove it and either form an independent racing authority with teams like Williams or go back to North America. Formula 1 is looking more like the old Americas Cup where the incumbent
changed the rules to suit themselves

Jeff Larsen, Christchurch, NZ

We all know Alonso is not an angel...but please Matt i would like to ask you to be more objective...why McLaren now is in the top and not the year before or the previous one? We know that you don't recognise the work of Alonso but be sure you'll realize of it in the future

Julian, Barcelona, Spain

I believe we´re discussing about ML and the drivers because the championship is actually becoming boring. Last grand prix I watched the first lap, and then the final ones, nothing changed, grand prixes are firsts laps and pit stops.

I wish icould watch more overtaking, I wish Heidfeld, Kubica, Kovalainen had better cars.

But definitely, H is not lucky because is not running for one of the best teams in the F1 with one of the best cars, he is not receiving telemetry, set-up or data during qualification when 2 sec behind A, or when he wasn´t punished after Hungary, poor guy. He´s a very good driver, but I wonder if Heidfeld, Kubica, Kovalainen wouldn´t have the same results driving a ML-Mercedes

Vicent, Valencia,

Alonso is clearly a driver from the win-at-all-costs school with all that goes with it. Lewis Hamilton? Well, he's clearly someone who annoys the Spanish...

What amazes me is that no one has picked up on what happened at the end of the hearing against McLaren. You see what was effectively a court hearing descend into shambles as McLaren's QC, Ian Mills, is asked to plead for mercy before he has been told exactly what McLaren have been found guilty of and what the potential penalties might be.

Without wishing to cast aspersions on someone as learned as Max Mosley, the hearing he presided over fell way short of the standards one might expect of a body capable of inflicting such a walloping punishment.

Mosley's conduct of the hearing was impecabbly even-handed, Mr Tozzi's foot-stomping on behalf of Ferrari amusing, but the length and breadth of the hearing woefully inadequate.

McLaren were convicted of being suspected of doing something. Bizarre and unsatisfactory.

MorrisOx, Nottingham,

the thins is that "Since time ago any english-driver has won the F1-Champioship", and here is the opportunity to English F1 (McLaren) to win the championship under Hamilton umbrella. The mediatic power of a new english hero!!! This is the true gentelman, do not disturb the reality. Alonso always shared with him team part of him race champions rewards. He is not a madiatic person as Lewis. Hamilton, you must wait to Alonso's will retired to win the F1 Championship...je,je,je because Alonso is simple the best driver on F1....It is the reality

Alan, Briston, Briston

I have been laughing my head off all week at the comments from all the Alonso fans, who couldn't make an objective comment if their lives depended on it.
I gave up on F1 when the likes of real drivers like Senna, Prost, Piquet and Mansell did.
I really could not care less who wins this year, but what I would like to point out is which of the McLaren drivers has made the most mistakes on track this year? That is the main reason why Alonso has been second all year but you are far to blind / bais to admit that.

Message to Jose about your offensive comment on another article; if you think all English have smell pants, why the hell do you live here?

Jonny 3humps, Chesham, UK

The Press is Spoiling the Sport

jon, Chester, Cheshire

Seems this view of Hamilton has a large amount of sugar in it's rose tinted glasses. Alonso has been around the block a few times, Mclaren is all the pup has known these last 10 years.

Hamilton has shown on the track he is prepared to be as ruthless, it's probably out of loyalty to Dennis that nothing has leaked to outside world.

Am sure that at some level they are all at it, as it's incestuous nature of closed market of drivers & limited number of teams means that ideas are going to be traded on a regular basis.

That said Mosley's comments show a lack of authority, grace & class.

Could not agree more with the shabby way in which Mr Jol is being treated though board will not hang head in shame as unfortunately they know that we the fans need our fix of all things Spurs related.

Jeremy, Farnham,

Poor Hamilton. I´m getting depressed. Which practices made Alonso last thursday at Belgium? I thought practices were on friday but maybe I´m wrong. Hamilton and Alonso look for themselves and no one else (just see what Hamilton did at Hungary).

Daniel, Valencia, Spain

"Hamilton is so lucky, too, that he was forced to miss an important day’s practice for the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa last week to appear in front of the FIA while the rest of the drivers, including Alonso, his main rival for the title, perfected their set-ups."

The hearing was on Thursday, practice began on Friday - Lewis did not miss any of the practice sessions!

Chris B, London,

I used to be a big Alonso fan, but he really has behaved badly. I could'nt wait for Schumacher to retire, but even he wouldn't get involved in threatening his team boss with the FIA. Alonso is, regrettably, the cry baby.

Richard Williams, London, Gr London

I don't think Hamilton missed any track time like you say to attend the hearing, there was no track time on the thursday before the grand prix. I think Hamilton is the victim in all this, although the way things hae turned out, things have been worked out fairly. Hamilton keeps his points, Alonso was punished in Hungry. Hopefully the rest will be worked out on the track

Jerry, Dublin, Ireland

Riccardo, please be more polite and do not loose your nerve.
This little country is plenty of reasonable people who might feel attaked by your unfair comments.
Back to the point, Alonso is is my opinio by far better driver than youngster Hamilton who´s got a lot to learn yet, set-ups, noy pointing at a team mate (ie Hungary) etc...

Time will tell my friend.

PS. There are many ways to addreess inteligent comments but yours have definately proven mindless.
Try harder next time from far Dubai.
Adios amigo.

Carlos Garcia, barcelona, España

IF hamilton didn't know anything about the ferrari data...
Why he didn,t colaborate with FIA when he was asked to do, why he first asked Dennis what should he do...

Maybe Hamilton had a secret to hide?

Nene, Seville,

Is this for real? Is everybody buying the ridiculous idea that there were engineers and pilots with info about the ferraris, and Dennis and Hamilton didn't know a thing??? Ha, ha, ha...

The only moaning baby here is the one who disobeyed a direct order from his team.

The only double world champion here is Alonso.

In order to protect your bussiness (Hamilton winning the championship would be the greatest bussiness in England), you all forget to be objective. Was it wrong to tell the FIA about the e-mails? May be, but the real wrong thing here was to cheat and become a beautiful sport into a circus.

I'm not from that beautiful and "lovely little country" but for me the moaning baby is someone else

Luis Dominguez, Mexico,

This sort of issue is the kind that seriously makes you question certain aspects of perspective in human nature. Rarely do you see such strong social phenomenons and the different interpretations that may follow. Being as I am, half British/half Spanish both on paper and at heart, I feel slightly disappointed at the tremendous biasing that is going on, on both sides. Both opinions and facts have turned into anything less objective.

I have hopes that sport prevails and common sense has it's way. Otherwise, why bother?

Carlos, Madrid, Spain

Hamilton´s dad is lucky for not to pay 100Million$ for breaking fire the first (Monaco and Hungary)-McClaren will do-

Hamilton is lucky because he usually broke his tyres (you know why...), and keep alive.

Hamilton is lucky because never met Fernando´s father at any circuit.

Ah, Lewis, remember...circuits have curves... some of them you have to turn right and the rest to the left. It wolud be good yo do the same number of curves than the other riders...

God save the Queen... Sofía

Jokin, Bilbao, Spain

That's the most animated I've seen the Spanish in decades. What a response! I also can feel immense relief at the paucity of my Spanish it seems. Jingoism aside, Alonso has gone from someone I admired and respected, with the brilliant way he took on and beat the best GP driver ever, to a preening prima donna with a persecution complex.

And I'm sorry to have to tell all you Spaniards this, but outside of the confines of your lovely little country, he is seen as a moaning baby. An analogy you all seem very comfortable with.

Riccardo, Dubai, UAE

MAX from NYC is totally right. Drivers should have been fined too, but the difference is that H. did not collaborate with the FIA. but A. and DLR did. Shouldn’t the FIA fine H?

Many find classifying sessions more interesting that the GP itself. F1 should do something about it.

We should put an end to this F1 media circus as soon as possible, and concentrate on the next GP.

Arturo, Madrid, Spain

Hamilton a victim? I thought he was the crane man, Isn't He?

Name Withheld, Madrid, Spain

Poor guy! We all the villaine Spaniards have burst into tears with your sad story. Don´t cry any more, my baby, British journalists and daddy Anthony will kick all these bad people.

Spanish Taxi Driver No. 2, Asturias, Spain

oooooooooh what a pitty boy. he loves his team now. is a pitty that in Monaco and Hungary he did not think the same about the team. Alonso to Ferrari and Ham buaaaaaaaaa.

fermin, jaen, spain

Pls. Be objetyve and remember the Hamilton tears against Alonso on cetain pits stop.Result favor to a baby Hamilton.

J.Pire, Dallas, USA

and Alonso has clearly demostrated how good he is by win two titles in a lower team (Renault), a team who surprisingly is the 4th or 5th now without him, i know he is like he is,but he is only defending from all of people who want to see Hamilton at the top( including the 90 % of his team )that are making his life and his job impossible....so british remember Monaco and Hungary when you want to demonize Alonso cause you have your own one in Hamilton (and specially his father).

Daniel, madrid, spain

Ahha, two nice objective points of view there from 2 spanish Alonso fans then, nice to see ;-).

Andy, wORTHING, uk / sussex

We can say that Hamilton is lucky because he has been the only driver to be pulled again into the truck by yhe stewrads once his car was out. ¿Is that to be lucky?

Alonso champion!

Rober, Bilbao, Spain

No doubt Alonso was born to win. He is a perfect example of fortitude. Reason? Imagine yourself in a difficult situation as him; team principal, team-mate, british and german media, FIA (remember Hungaroring penalty), and scuderia McLaren against him. Even under such an awfull pressure like this, he looks to be the one who can win, the boss, as he proves his ability to handle successfully any circumstance day after day, no matter where shoots come from!!

Now, Dennis and Haugh has a common strategy; they have launched a run down campaing in to Alonso by leaking inner crap to the british and german media. The say Alonso tried to give some incentive to their garage guys (a formula that always worked out in the past -Alonso in Renault, Piquet and others) or that he blackmailed Dennis with his information and a much more stuff...

Well, if McLaren wants to keep Alonso till 2009, this is not the best way to do. I think McLaren has not played fairly since the begining.

Felipe, Madrid, Spain

1) H wasn't forced to appear at the FIA while A primed his skills at Spa as you say. H showed up voluntarily because he knew he was in danger of receiving a fine for not having collaborated with the FIA, unlike A, in turning up incriminatory evidence. He showed up to to the council in order to save his face. Members of the council reported that it was H who came really close to being fined.

2) Regarding the emails between A and DLR, first, they are dated March 26, well before Mclaren was supposed to have received anything from Ferrari. 2nd, they exchange WIDELY AVAILABLE among information among mechanics of the different teams, regarding when other teams are planning to stop and the fact THAT Ferrari uses something different for the tires, not knowing what it is.

It is absurd to assume the FIA would fine Mclaren 100 million dollars bc of these emails between A and DLR, any of you believing this are simply in gross denial.

Max, NYC, USA

Yes, as you said Hamilton the victim, always the victim, more whe he see how his championship go away, do you need to know Hamilton get 10 extra point at Hungary circuit after Alonso following his own extrategy was penalty, becaus crying Hamilto went to the Fia. or some points more at Indiana after he block Alonso. OK Stop to cry Hamilton, and McLaren Stop to copy from ferrary trying to be competitive after one horrible 2006 year.

Juan, Oxford,

¿Lewis Hamilton victim ? ¿Is that a joke? Incredible

antono, Zaragoza, Spain