I want to see how Hamilton will setup the car in 2008 without Alonso... LOL!!!!!!!

Lars, Stockholm, Sweden

Ron Dennis went well sloppy in this one...nothing really surprising though, it was absolutely obvious that Lewis was his favorite.
This is the way the strategy paid off after all...a miserable, ridiculous, pathetic end with Raikkonen winning the championship.
By the way...how come Alonso's car was so slow???
Rather suspicious if you ask me, McLaren didn't do themselves any favor, and Hamilton proved himself an amateur...a good one, but an amateur nevertheless.
Anyway, yet another chapter in British sportive humiliation ...can't say I'm sad about it, all in all I think justice was delivered.

Justin, London, Golders Green

If Alonso was as good as his short-sighted Spanish fans say he is then he should never have had a problem beating Hamilton, equal car or not.
The fact is Alonso arrived at Mclaren expecting to be treated in the same way that Schumacher was treated at Ferrari i.e having a team-mate who would hold back the rest of the field while he was able to drive away into the distance. (Boring)
Instead, Alonso and Hamilton were given an equal chance, and Alonso was as shocked as everybody else to see how quick and fearless Hamilton is and how easily he was able to beat Alonso in qualifying and even in race craft.
For those Spanish fans of Alonso with short memories, play back the race at Indianapolis this year and just see how Hamilton was able to out-qualify Alonso, get a better start than Alonso and then go on to make Alonso look like the new boy in the race, instead of the other way round.
In short : Hamilton arrives at Mclaren, beats Alonso , Alonso spits out his dummy and complains.

Darren Bennett, Dublin, Ireland

I am Spanish, and I think that without the improvements that alonso in the car does hamilton it had done nothing, we will see that it happens next year if alonso leaves maclaren and hamilton cannot copy his setup, and does not have nor idea to form its car. Even so, that gains the best one.

Miguel, Madrid, Madrid

As much as I like you brits, you are the world champions of self deception. Just see your own article yesterday showing shock and disbelief about those funny foreigners with funny accents who did not cry their hearts when wonder boy LH had to retire.

You are also masters of hype; LH is a great driver who could dominate the WC for years but by trumpeting his skills the way you're doing it you ran the risk of turning him into a new Henman or a new Beckham.

And you are very good at twisting the facts. You keep on blaming FA (a whinger no doubt) for all the team's woes, conveniently ignoring who complained about his own team first (LH in Montecarlo) setting the ball in motion, who has asked FIA to investigate its own team twice (LH in Montecarlo and Hungary), who has benefitted consistently from team strategies (extra laps in Q3, tyres, etc) and official decissions (safety car, crane, Hungary, Kubica, etc etc.

Get real Mr Gorman, this is an article not a blog.

jorge, zaragoza, spain

Mr. Dennis in the end what you want is another barichello for Mr. JAIMITON. Is the only way that in the british empire of F-1 sun never sets.

joaquin mondragon, onda, spain

Fernando Alonso is the best but in England we are too patriotics. Dennis is a manipulator

Harry, London,

Yes, Harry , superb car from which he has much of merit. It is important that the driver also is a good driver endorser. In this case is the best evolve the car. Sew that cannot be said of Lewis by the rush to give a car winner and a guardian to try to beat the record for earliness at any price, which is what is seeing around the world. Put the search Youtube, Hungary 2006 and judged yourself

Christian, Barcelona, Spain

They will be complaining that we manipulated the weather against the spanish armarda next. You cant blame anyone but alonso for what has been a miserable performance in a superb car.

Harry, Liverpool,

I have been an advid supporter of McLaren for many years and I'm sure I'm not the only one to feel "let down" by all the internal politics revolving around them. I would dearly love to see a British World Champion, but I can't help feel that they did dupe "Fernando" into believing he would be supported into achieving his third world championship, by joining them.

Let's just look at all the teams that are stalling their decisions over driver line-up for 2008, just incase "Fernando" may jump ship. you dont leave that sort of decision this late unless you think you may land someone extra special. Which leads me to ask, Why are McLaren turning their backs on Fernando?
He has been outspoken against the Team, but it just goes to show, he had something justified to say. He reacted badly to Lewis disobeying the team orders in Hungary, but if we're honest and in a similar pressure cooker, would any of us acted differently? I don't think so.

So please let's remember why McLaren him!

Gordon McAulay, Newtown StBoswells, Roxburghshire

what a nerve Cacique has!

antonio, vigo, spain

Equality? Shame on McLaren.

Tato Dulanci, Vitoria, Spain

I would clarify one thing
Fernando Alonso is very dear to their former mechanics. Since that ran into categories inferior to Renault has shared the prizes of races with them.At the beginning of the season wanted to do likewise in "Mclaren" but Dennis not let him by equipment policy .So here understand this.
What did not understand is why half of championship Dennis said that Alonso has tried to buy their mechanics to put him in the spotlight in England and Germany.
Everybody in Spain wants to go to Mclaren from that in Bahrain fell mysteriously ceiling above his car and lost half a second lap in the race. The followers Spaniards know the potential for Hamilton for that, they do not like that you copy his set up the car or his telemetry. them did not like what happened in Hungary, you always have the extralap Hamilton in classification, which alter the pressures of tyres
I congratulate Hamilton by its impressive first year in the F1, has everything to be champion of the world

Christian, Barcelona, Spain

I would clarify one thing
Fernando Alonso is very dear to their former mechanics. Since that ran into categories inferior to Renault has shared the prizes of races with them.At the beginning of the season wanted to do likewise in "Mclaren" but Dennis not let him by equipment policy .So here understand this.

What did not understand is why half of championship Dennis said that Alonso has tried to buy their mechanics to put him in the spotlight in England and Germany.

Everybody in Spain wants to go to Mclaren from that in Bahrain fell mysteriously ceiling above his car and lost half a second lap in the race. The followers Spaniards know the potential for Hamilton for that, they do not like that you copy his set up the car or his telemetry. them did not like what happened in Hungary, you always have the extralap Hamilton in classification, which alter the pressures of tyres

Christian, Barcelona, Spain

Even Massa have said it. "Some one wants that hamilton wins the championship". When Ron Dennis talks of "treating his drivers equitably" whos gonna believe him? Ask Ferrari what they thinks about the honesty of Ron Dennis. Alonso or Kimi must win the championship. Every body outside GB knows who deserve it.

Juan, Madrid, Spain

Having to confess that I'm spanish and quite fond of Fernando, I have a dilemma about this year's championship.

The fact is that from my point of view there are two drivers who deserve the WDC more than the others, in part for being the quickest and in part for being handicapped in one way or another.

Kimi, from ferrari, is standing 3rd with a car wich has been thoroughly studed and analyzed from its competitors, so therefore has lost any technical advantage over them while they have kept theirs. Moreover, he's the only tittle contendant the legitimity of wich points cannot be questioned, so he deserves the tittle.

But also Alonso has been treated unfairly by his team and has been often deprived of his chances either by MClaren or the FIA, yet he's still 2nd and struggling till the last moment. But his car, with all the ferrari stuff, seems to me like it makes him less legitime for the championship.

Maybe kimi deserves it the most,anyway it's ok as long as it's not HAM who gets it

Javier Rodriguez, Manresa, Spain

Dear blog followers, so far I have read most of what was written in the blog, but I must confess that I'm lately skipping the majority of the posts sent by Spanish fans: I concentrate my attention on those coming form GB or other countries. I found that our Spanish friends keep repeating the same things over and over ("Alonso is the best"; "he deserves respect" and so on). Maybe they're right, but they're also off the topic, too many times. A blog hasn't got a lot of rules, but one at least should be considered: try to stick to the topic or to the so called "thread". As far as this one is concerned, only Ron Dennis might say if it was a "lapsus linguae" or a "Freudian lapsus". The feeling one gets from all the previous episodes is that it was a lapsus of the second type, that is to say a Freudian slip. In other words, as my Irish friends would say, "he gave it away" without realising it.

Cheers
Pasquale

Pasquale, Naples,

Alonso wanted "to be treated with the respect he deserves".
I thought he had!

mike gee, bournemouth, uk

Alonso is fighting for the championship not only against Hamilton but against a whole team, so he deserves to win it. What can not be done, Denis, is to say one thing to the press and to turn back and do whatever you want. There is one thing in this world called "dignity and integrity" and you are supposed no to have it, my friend. So, face the consequences and I hope Alonso will win the Championship again.

Nuberu, Gijon, Spain

I want to make a clarification

Fernando is very dear to their former lifts, provided he has shared the prize of the race with them, in Minardi not climbed the podium, but in categories inferior and at Renault has always done. In the early season he wanted it to do in Mclaren but Ronn Dennis not let him. And to half of championship ronn said that Fernando want to buy their lifts. This speaks for itself about Ronn Dennis

For lovers of the F1, impressive as Fernando can withstand to Massa after second pit stop with tyres still cold .Impressive the pace of English in the first part of the race. Impressive bring forward outside of Alonso to Massa in the first curve
Bravo Hamilton, very good work this year, sincerely. What has everything to be a worthy champion of the world, but this year yet is soon. It should improve the set up the car and change a little his leadership to book tyres

Christian, Barcelona, Spain

i haven' t read the comments from english people, neither from spanish...and i really love that most of the rest of the world wants Alonso to win!!! or even raikkko!! i love it!!

romario, madrid, spain

I'm totally agree with Justin (London). I hope Kimi wins, he really deserves it, because he knows how to behave in a job.
And both children (FA and LH) must go to the nursery, to improve their behaviour. And of course, RD will have to take long vacations...

Frank, Barcelona,

As a world Champion Alonso has earned the respect of his fellow drivers for his talent and abilities on the track. However this is not automatic within any team - there respect must be earned as an individual on a person to person basis. If he is negative about the team and makes accusations against the engineers and mechanics he works with, then he will clearly not have their full 100% support. I think your will find that everyone around Alonso is doing exactly what they are paid to do in the most professional manner - but nothing more and nothing less. They probably do not feel inclined to do those extra things that make life easier for the driver. I still remain confused over Alonso making great play about doing everything for Hamilton except drive the car. If that was the case, and he has since stopped being helpfull with his illegal Ferrari know how, why is he not 30 points ahead of his No.2.

jonathan mills, Brighton,

No doubt Hamilton is a top driver and a would-be champion for the coming years, but the F1 biz jumped the gun for they want the British market in, the sooner the better. They've already got the Spanish, thanks to Alonso. Simple as that. Conspiracy? No, just a timely little push here and there. Just enough to make sure it will "happen", now. Big money. Obvious. Pity Lewis didn't get the chance to try by himself! As far as I'm concerned, Alonso is the true champion this season. Cheers!

Another Alberto, Oviedo, Spain

charly65 said, "As an old Spanish said, "Fair dead people, and puros (pure) habano-cigars".

Hopefully that makes more sense in Spanish. If I was RD then I'm pretty sure I'd want the person who tried to blackmail me out of my team too. Make it count Lewis!!

julian, shropshire, uk

I can't describe my loathing for the racist, myopic, disrespectful attitude of Alonso's Klan of followers. But the driver himself is awesome and deserves better from his fans and his team. He needs to get to Ferrari yesterday and give us the best contested championship for years next season. He at least accepts that Hamilton is a remarkable talent, something his idiot fans are utterly ignorant of, and deserves the chance to battle him honestly.

Chris, Worthing, England

Here we go again, still no one gives poor Lewis any credit for actually being a damn good driver, the same as Alonso.
Yes the knives are now probably out for Alonso, and anyone who is suprised by that after he has cost his team £50 million and all constructors points has either got their head up their backside, or is some Spanish patriotic moron who the sport could do without them following.
To the people who criticise Lewis, do you think he just beamed down from nowhere to F.1.? Try looking at his history to see how talented he is. But that would mean admiting that there is motor racing outside of F.1. and I dont think you have the mental capacity to appreciate that!

Pete, St Albans, England

We are very fed up with so much non-sense talking by McLaren´s peple about fairness....As an old Spanish said, "Fair dead people, and puros (pure) habano-cigars"....
We should look at Hamilton driving from scratch. Please, Lewis forget daddy-daddy and daddy-Denis !!!

charly65, Madrid, Spain

You all silly. Quiet now. Stop nonsense talking before christmas. Hamilton win, Alonsos pour driver should be at taxi driver.

Bob, Kobe,

Hamilton, ... buhhhhhhhh buhhhhhhhhhhh... loser...!!!

Big mouth... little head... loooooseerrr!!!

Thomas, Alberta, Canada

For me, it has been the most incredible mafia in all F1 history. If you are british, you can support Alonso, but you will support a man who is breaking F1 rules. He is not playing fair, but there is someone worst: Ron Dennis. Absolutly hipocrit man. I hope that Alonso win, becouse i am with those that are in a bad position, without chances, and give everything they have from the HONESTY. That needs to buy Hamilton and Dennis, Honesty.

JDur, Madrid, Spain

The Campionship is completly tainted. Alonso has been a victim, Lewis has benefited from dirty game of Mc Laren against Ferrari and Alonso. Max Mosley should get busy and let the championship for Alonso or Kimi.

Sancho Panza, Mozoncillo, spain

Ron had made everybody clear what is going on in McLaren. Now, it is a little bit clear the Shangai Q3 qualification, isn't it?. But, where is Mosley vigilance on this? Has the FIA taken, as Ecclestone had made, a decision about who is going to be the champion in this 2007 F1 championship? If Alonso prevails in Brazil, there will be no money to pay what the Ron and Hamilton faces will look like, for the rest you can get it with a visa card. I had a dream last night. In that dream there were equality in McLaren and in whole F1.

Alberto, Oviedo, Spain

Denis has favoured Hamilton and the press has gone overboard because we're so desperate for a British champion.

hamad Lone, Expat-Brit, Middle East

Marian Jones admits that she took drugs during her most successful years and is stripped of her medals and faces criminal action. Mclaren are found guilty of cheating but could still see one of their drivers as world champion at the end of the season! F1 is not a sport, it's a marketing exercise to improve the business of the advertisers who pay for the sport and in turn line Bernies pockets.
The best story in F1 is a Hamilton championship regardless of how it is achieved. However, unlike in the UK where the media have conveniently brushed Mclarens cheating under the carpet, elsewhere it is still an issue that has and will do continuing damage to the sport and invalidates this championship. Neither Hamilton or Alonso can claim to be worthy champions.

Giuseppe, Moschella, London

It is logical from an economic point of view, to favor Lewis Hamilton, RD knows it and Ecclestone knows it too, and at the end of the day Formula 1 is a business, and that is all there is to it

Zingaro, Gibraltar,

Hungary. Alonso pole. FIA-Hamilton put Fernando at 5th. That means 8 points! (Supossed Hamilton in 2nd place).It´s not fair play, and What about Alonso tyres pressure at Q3? Only Alonso and Kimi must fight for 07 champ!!

lewis(another), santiago, spain

Alonso went to McLaren as World Champion.... although Hamilton has done spectacularly well this season he is not World Champion yet. I do not think that Alonso has been treated with the respect he should have had and I truly believe that all attention has been given to Hamilton. What chance does Alonso stand of winning if his team are not behind him? I hope he does win in Brazil and I think Hamilton needs time to get used to being an F1 driver. He has had a lot go his way, how much is due to his driving (which is excellent) and the McLaren back up I am not sure. Does Ron Dennis want to prove that his "discovery" is the best. If Alonso doesn't get the same support then it is hardly a competition is it??

Janine Dawson, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, UK

Slip of the tongue or splip from subconscious mind?

What can we expect from Interlagos, Ron? Are the tires of Fernando's car gone to be OK for qualification? And for the rest of the race? Is Alonso going to have his oportunity in Interlagos or are you going to play -again- to black and even only.

Tell us the truth, Ron, if oyur daddy's boy fails, what would is your beat for the championship, Alonso -with your car- or Kimi -with Ferrari-?

Go, Alonso, you're simple the best driver of the moment!!

Miguel, Madrid, Spain

ALONSO FOREVER!!!

alain, barcelona, spain

My best wishes to Fernando, only a champion can drive like him with the FIA, his team and many of the mass media against him.

And my congratulations to THE TIMES for the objective information.

Greetings from Spain. Come on Nano!!!!

Santi, Valencia, Spain

Fernando should have known Dennis' character when he signed for MM in December 2005. Barely 2 months before that, Dennis was reluctant to praise Fernando's achievement in beating Kimi to the 2005 title, claiming that MM had the best 2 drivers in Kimi and Montoya and that he would not swap them for anyone. And then he signs Fernando for 2007 menaing Kimi or Montoya would have to make way....you just cannot trust Dennis.

Manoj Sandra, Singapore, Singapore

I think what Ron Dennis said is the best thing to happen in F1 for a long time and was taken completely out of context. What he has said is there is no team order at McLaren which has been the biggest problem in F1 for too long. When there are two drivers competing for a realistic chance at winning the title then of course the person you aim to beat is the next closest rival and it should not matter what team that driver is from.

This conspiracy is up there with the death of Dianna.

David Kneen, Brisbane, Australia

I have to admit it: I did not expect to see the Ron Dennis' slip published in the British Press. Well done The Times!
My simpathy for Fernando has grown enormously through this season and I agree that if he wins it will have triple value against the atonishing acts of FIA, Dennis and Mercedes.
Mercedes should have balanced out the obvious lack of equity that Dennis has demonstrated through the year, specially after admitting that Fernando was the brand's best investment so far in F1
I believe that Hamilton is a talented driver that learns quickly and if he will do fine regardless of the team or the team mate.
Finally, I'm worried about things like tire temperature and pressure or that the team did not comunicate Fernando, through the radio, about the rear damages in his car during Japan Grand Prix... Let's not forget that Fernando, Lewis and the rest of the drivers are risking their lives every race and none of them deserve to crash against a wall.
Fair play for everyone!

Jorge, Madrid, Spain

Look at it from a real life day to day perspective, if I dared to blackmail my employer, not only would I be fired, I would probably be charged in court!!.. why should F1 be any different... Lewis has had an extraordinary season... by anyones standards even if he fails to win the championship... I have watched his rise and read comments at various blog sites... including ones to the effect that its his mothers white genes that make him a good driver... (oh that was a brit by the way!!!) go for it Hamilton, you have done well ... irrespective of the outcome...

DC, London, UK

Shame looking at this artificial "sport".

Fia decissions are scandalous!

Sorry for spanish supporters but this season "somebody" said there will be an english winner.

Alonso come to Italy !!

Carlito Brigante, Milano, Italy

I feel very happy to see that many people over the world realize who McLaren really is.

I've seen this conspiracy during all the championship, the team and the FIA fighting against Alonso, but Alonso is a very good driver and can win even when he is alone (don't forget the clasification of China, the preassure of the tyres).

Another point is that McLaren has a good car due to Alonso's expertise. I'm willing to see how Hamilton (without Alonso in the team) is another driver, not so good driver like now.

Hopefully McLaren will break in two teams, and Alonso in Mercedes will be the champion again.

Good Luck in Brasil !!!

Jorge Sanchez, Madrid, Spain

To all who are getting on FA case and calling him a cry baby :)

I am sure if you were working hard @ your own job, improving your department and parent company.

You make it the top performing company in the world above the competition.

The the boss brings this new young guy who does not do any of the ground work but takes advantage of all your long hours of work to succeed.

You keep on setting all the ground work every quarter and you notice how he is best buddies with your boss. You perform equally well, but you end up doing all the work and he takes all the credit.

Then one time your boss orders you to do something specific and the regulatory body punishes you... By this time I think you would start getting a bit upset, right? It is rubbish.

If you ask me... and I like Alonso. Without him, Dennis and Hamilton would be an average middle of the pack team spending lots of money without results. But in this last race for some reason I want Kimi to win. Screw McLaren.

Francisco, Miami, USA

Another possibility is that Kimmi or Massa crashes into Ham. Why?
It would be great for Ferrari to have #1 in their team next year, and Alonso indeed has more possibilities to win.

Alvaro, Dublin, Ireland

I do enjoy very much the end of this F1 season. It is supposed to be boring but not this year...and to be honest It's remembers me very much the film "Terminator" with all those nice humans trying to kill the fucking robot who came to life again and again.

Fernando, you really have a big mouth, but if you manage to change the end of this film will support you for ever.

Hamilton, Denis, Haug, Todd, Bernie, Mosley, that makes a lot of people...and still racing. Big laugh...

ignacio plaza, bruxelles, belgium

I am really astonished to see how difficult it is to be objective in any sport; it is always easer to see own boy as the innocent victim of others and stay blind to pure facts witch started to create the problems in the team. I do not believe on the fair play in any sport circus where the money is on stake. KP

Kaz, Stockholm, Sweden

I just hope FA wins in Brasil. That would be the right end for a season full of McLaren-Louisish crap, the won of a pilot by himself, him and his team, that team wouldn´t really celebrate? Wellknown is the english character (read english, rest of Britain being so different), but how could that be? Not celebrate their own victory just becasue it is brought by a foreigner? C'mon!!! FA has coped with enough nonsense this year, let him be the winner and lets go for the next season.

Silvia, Cáceres, Spain

Hamilton and his dad (Golum) will have to go for a family therapy after Brazil, Alonso in simply the best and the rookie will wet his pants when the race begins.

Paul Chenevix-Trench, Edinburgh,

Congratulations to The Times for giving independent information in this issue. Dennis have got that if Alonso hopefully wins the championsip, it seems that Mc Claren have lost it. The team against his champion driver. A respectable team in developing a superb car, but an awful management to deal with two great drivers. From Spain we only want same opportunities for both drivers. But it seems not easy hearing Denis.

Viedma, Madrid, Spain

Go Kimi, go Fernando either man will truely make a great F1 champion

Laughing about Lewis, good driver but has had FA coattails to ride this season...what ever happens in Brazil will be exciting... next season at McLaren will be a comedy. Michelle Wie of F1?

John Sayer, Calgary, Canada

with Alonso record and recent actions what team could possibly trust him, the whole pit lane are wary of him, he has blew his chances with the big boys.
He didnt attend the FIA spy trial I believe if he had he would have been kicked out of the sport , people have been kicked out of other sports for doing a lot less than what he has done, he resorts to anything if he gets upset, where else can you go and threaten blackmail and not even be brought to task. That might be normal behaviour where he comes from so lets see how far he gets next year I hope it is bye bye Alonso.

Sid James, preston, uk

McLaren drivers final positions, before Alonso:
2004: 7th and 10th
2005: 2nd and 4th
2006: 5th and 8th

McLaren with Alonso:
2007: 1st and 2nd

Renault with Alonso:
2004: 4th and 6th
2005: 1st and 5th
2006: 1st and 4th

Renault without Alonso:
2007: 7th and 8th

I think it's very clear.

My prediction for next year:
McLaren without Alonso: again 4th and 7th
2008 Alonso's team: 1st and ?th

Eduardo, Asturias, Spain

Can't help but feel that although Alonso says that the McLaren teram says they didn't give him the proper respect that Alonso also hardly took them seriously (remember that time he blocked Hamiltons qualifying session and was demoted a few spots?). To be honest I don't care how you spin it, a true "champion" (not that such a thing exists anymore) wouldn't ever resort to those tactics.

in conclusion - best case scenario is that Kimi wins and the children (Alonso AND Hamilton) can cry in their nursery until next season

Justin, London,

Perspective, "Lets not forget F1 is a sport and if it all stopped tomorrow, no-one would die!" Lets just chill a bit and enjoy the spectacle unfold...

Laid-Back, Reading, Berkshire

Tiring stuff all this!.In two weeks time it will be over.Thank god :S.Hopefully next year FA and LH will be in different teams and we will see what happens.

Cristina, Oviedo, Spain

We all know Mclaren are doing well because they have Ferrari data. I wish Fernando will go one step in sealing that by Crashing Hamilton out of Brizillian Grand Prix. if they both retire Kimi Can then win the grand prix and the F1 title.

Go on Fernando make Brazil a tifosi day! we will ditch Massa for you if you can pull this one off!
Go on KIMI

Francis Puni, Cheshunt, UK

I think the jingoism from the Spanish & English fans is pathetic. By all means people are entitled to support their own countries sons but at the expense of rationality and with absolute disregard to the facts and events of the past season is lunacy. Hamilton has been unsportsmanlike and has been the proverbial teachers pet whilst Alonso has also been unsportsmanlike and acted like a spoilt brat. We now find ourselves in the situation in England where Fernando Alonso is about as appealing as an 'Audience with Peter Kenyon' and in Spain liking Hamilton is considered herecy and anyone convicted of this crime will be sentenced to two weeks in Magaluf. Have an opinion, support your countryman but don't let the colours of your national flag blind you from reality. As for McLaren.....

Rich, Derby, England

Quote from
Hdeath, Manchester, UK

"3.-While Alonso participates actively in the tuning of the car, Hamilton don't even care about it, having all the info from his teammate. But it's Alonso the bad teammate. "

i have read quite a few post with similar tune to the above quote . Is it common knowledge among fans? or Has some official personnel announced it some time during the season? or Is it another conspiracy theory?

Noah, london, UK

Mr. Equality, Mr. Equality...

It's all a big line of baloney.

The little kid threatening to leave the sport if the FIA dare to impose a penalty on him.

This kid seems to kave Max and Bernie by the Balls, otherwise there's no explanation for his 'Untouchable' status.

The tyre pressures in Q3 at Shanghai.

The 7 points from Hungary (the 5 Alonso didn't win there after his 5-place penalty on the grid and the 2 more Hamilton won). Leave it at 3 points had Hamilton managed to get ahead of Alonso.

Poppa Smurf stealing all the camera action.

I could go on and on, but honestly, the most worthy champions this year would be either of the two that Bernie Warhol doesn't want.

Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain

Those who are accusing Alonso of being unloyal to his team should remenber that this season the only one to desobey the team orders during a race and the first to talk against McLaren was Hamilton. In Monaco. Then again in Hungary, refusing to enter to boxes in qualifiyng when they told him to, and causing a chaos in the track and off the track. Have you forgotten Ron throwing away his earphones?

Domingo, Piedras Blancas, Spain

first : excuse my english
this mesage for ron, bernie and haug
i hoppe hamilton plus value for formula one
butt for me you are destroyed formula one i see this competicion for 20years and never i see an season same off that 2007
for ron: kiss hamilton for me you are a good father
for bernie: come on man let s go to you boat and give the race to a driver i don t need you for this
and for haug:how many spanish you belive buy a mercedes in the next 10 years you are a very small manager belive me
spanish is not spain only you forget latin america and for this seasons you lost a lott of millions profit
for hamilton good luck for the next years when alonso don t stay whith you for prepare your engine

juan , liege, belgium

I can't understand why my comments are not published. We are a lot of people in Spain that have not agreed with Fernando's behaviour -and these are my comments:

Thank you Dennis for putting everything into place. Thank you for saving Alonso's dignity at the last minute when even many of us here in Spain where starting to believe he was in the wrong. Thank you for showing your real team spirit; what a disgrace. And please, Vodafone, Santander, Mutua Madrileña, Mobil, Aigo and Johnnie Walker, think where you are going to put your money next year. I don't think Mclaren deserves a single cent of it.

Christian Bungard, Madrid, Spain

I think RD should be instantly sacked for such a mistake. Alonso and Hamilton are OK to say whatever they like, at the end of the day they run for themselves and are just two spoilt guys in their twenties, trying to put pressure on the other. I really do think that is just fine, I don't follow F1 for the things they both have to say. But RD should never tell 'we were basically racing Fernando' to a group of journalists. This is just something a team manager must never say publicly, even if he has the right to think so. In any other sport (or company)he would be obliged to quit immediately.

Inigo, Bilbao, Spain

Well, we all selectively choose what to believe and what not to (blackmailing / conspiracy theory) according with our taste, but let's speak facts.

1.-Alonso might have blackmailed the team or Dennis but the fact here is that the team cheated (too little punishment anyway). And Alonso only released information after the whole scandal was out.
2.-Hamilton reported twice his team and teammate to the FIA and even argued harshly with Dennis. However, it's Alonso the one who is not a teammate.
3.-While Alonso participates actively in the tuning of the car, Hamilton don't even care about it, having all the info from his teammate. But it's Alonso the bad teammate.
4.-Hamilton hasn't been punished by the FIA and some of his actions were reported as "...from now on that is forbidden". Alonso has been punished when following team orders.
5.-Alonso has had problems with the pressure of his tyres in critical moments while Hamilton hasn't.
6.-Dennis said that they were racing against him

Hdeath, Manchester, UK

to David from Oxford, please read the thread you have to your right on this same site (2006 season) and read for yourself when already former of Mclaren: "the 25-year-old Spaniard, who lives in Oxford, spoke on the radio to the team he now leaves for McLaren, telling them: “You have done a fantastic job, fantastic all season. I’m going to miss you guys. It has been a pleasure for all this season to work with you, and with this success I wish you the best". Is this 'unsportfull'? Like I tried to pass in a previous message: Denniss' behaviour is a disgrace for is team, sponsors and fans and, above all, for sport. Vodafone, BOSS, Mobil and others please think where you are going to put your money next year.

Christian Bungard, Madrid, Spain

When Shui went from Benetton to Ferrari as a two-time WDC, he became unquestionable #1. Why is it such an issue for the British press that FA had such expectations at ML?

OK, he didn't get it, but what about that fabled "equal treatment"?

Dennis said after the qualfying in Hungary that this policy meant it was FA's turn to go out first in Q3 and have an extra lap. LH sneaked in front of him, and despite of FA trying to pass him for the first half of the lap, he openly defied the repeated orders from the team to let him go by - that is as clear case of CHEATING as you'll find, for anyone other that the British press. Btw, anyone watching the Q3 in Hungary had the opportunity to see how false was LH's claim that FA was too far behind and he was concerned about Kimi passing him as well.

So where was RD to rectify this clear violation of its "equal treatment" policy? No wonder that frustrated FA tried to do it on his own, in a (granted, stupid) way.

And now this "slip"?

marinne, New York, USA

Ed had the courage to show Ron Dennis's slip of the tongue, however, Ed goes on to say that all along Alonso's behavior was the cause of it. Como on Ed, why the great racers such as Montoya and Raikkonen left McClaren , for the same reasons that Alonso started complaining. These 2 racers have recently said that they were so happy to leave the British.
Hamilton is a great racer, Big Daddy Ron Dennis should leave him alone so he can proove his worth. And now, back to the cows: what were Ecclestone, Mostley and Haugh doing in Interlagos? Buying a dairy farm named Alonso.

an Alonso fan, palm springs, california,usa

It would have been crazy if FA had not forward the mails to the FIA. The FIA thread the team members with lost of license in case they do not cooperate and FA could not risk to keep this information (that obviously was known by the whole team not just Alonso) in such an environment. Mr. Hamilton showed already in Hungary that has no problem accusing his own team to protect himself, FA could not risk his career trusting anybody in that team.

Good Luck Fernando!!!!

Xavier , Madrid, Spain

Well, I want to reply David from Oxford. I guess you were wrong when you affirmated that Alonson doesn´t understand word "team". Who was checking in the car on the veredict´s FIA day?, Who was tirelessly checking in the car and giving advises for improving it at the beginning of the year?. I don´t think this comment was just a slip, it´s just the Denis´ wish who has been containing to himself not to say the real hierarchy of the team. I guess when Hamilton asked desperatly to fine Alonso in Hungary was not something own of a 'team man' and I don´t also think crying in Monaco (where he couldn´t overtake for the high risks), I don´t think all the secret talks (as one kept with RD on radio, even insulting him) have been something typical of a team, like all declarations to press last week, everyday.

Alvaro, Dublin, Ireland

Hamilton is a good driver and he's got a good car, but some of the situations we´ve had this season are unbelievable and if Lewis doesn´t have any issue in Brazil, Alonso has no chance whatsoever to win. So, I'd like Alonso pushing out Hamilton´s car in a race incident and Kimmi winning the Championship.

David, Plymouth,

errrr, just a quick remark...does anybody remember Alonso's paranoid remarks towards the end of last season when he was in the process of falling out with Briatore and Renault?

The man's behaviour means he does not have the backing of his team which is a sad situation, but I'm afraid he seems to have brought it upon himself.

Diamond Geezer, Juan Les Pins, France

Regardless of what Ron Dennis said -- and I honestly couldn't find fault with him if it wasn't a slip of the tongue -- the premise that the mechanics are screwing with Alonso's set up is absurd. FA set faster track times than LH several times in China. The difference between them is down to nothing more sinister than Hamilton's relative youth: LH is clearly of a mind to take more risks than FA at this point.

I was an FA fan until this year when he started kicking because the rookie was besting him. Then came his appalling behavior behind the scenes at McLaren. An honest man would have stepped forward with the emails de la Rosa shared with him; FA didn't. He has since worked hard to make himself a liability to the team. Too big for his britches, I say, and what a shame because what he lacks in youthful courage on the track he makes up for tenfold in experience and clever driving. If Hamilton beats him in Brazil, I'll cheer.

Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind, Alonso.

Mary, Florida, USA

It seems to me that the last vestige of sport in Formula 1 racing has been destroyed:

We never knew who was the better driver between teams because the cars were so different.

Now we don't even know who the best driver is within a team because the teams are accused of favouritism.

I suggest giving Formula 1 a miss: it isn't a sport, it's a long and boring soap opera.

John Andrew, London, UK

Same issue with Juan Montoya and Kimi Räikkönen last year, but this time it has gone public, in part because Alonso and Hamilton personalities. McLaren on Dennis years wasted more talent than any adiction, Coulthard, Montoya, Räikkönen, and now Alonso.

Dav, Chicago, US

Ed,
once I mentioned to you how delighted I was because, after a long, long time, we just couldn't predict who would win this F1 season... I mean,we had Massa, Kimi, Alonso and Lewis to bet on! Four drivers, and they did seem eager to fight for it! Bets were on! Well, that was around the third race... 'Guess I'm just disppointed now... Not only because that spying affair... I never liked Alonso, but he proved himself an excellent driver; Massa, lovely person, but still not the best right now; Lewis, I still haven't made up my mind about that Webber/Vettel accident; Kimi... well, what to say about him except for his "iceness"? I think I'll be supporting him here... Cheers!

Gracy, Guarulhos, Brazil / SP

SHAME


please Ed, comment on (Alonso's) tyre pressures on Q3 both Japan and China... is it true? is it an issue? was safety compromised at all? if so, in all honesty, please promote investigation.

Gonzalo, Madrid, Spain

denis betrayed by his own words. simply scandalous

luigi, valencia, spain

Well it's clear an awful lot of people are looking at this through Alonso-coloured spectacles. He has acted like a badly-behaved child this season. I am not a Maclaren or Hamilton fan but you could just see how Alonso hated the fact that this new boy was leading the championship.

It has been very hard for Ron Denis this season, in Alonso he has an employee who has no idea what the word "team" means, and tries everything he can to disrupt his fellow driver and would even try to destroy the team he drives for. He is very unsportsmanlike and I truly hope the people of Spain do not condone his dehaviour.

Denis can't sack Alonso of course, but I am absolutely not surprised if he wants Hamilton to win.

David, Oxford, UK

We know that Fernando Alonso can sound a bit arrogant sometimes. However, that's no reason to forget that he's a professional competitive driver as he's shown for years now.

I don't blame him for complaining publicly about his situation . Now we clearly see that everything he's said was true. Hope he makes it in Brazil. If he doesn't, I'll still consider him the winner.

maite, madrid, spain

I believe that Ron Dennis has a natural emotional leaning towards Hamilton. In the sense of a father figure wanting his young protege to succeed. However, if we look at it totally dispassionately if Hamilton was a talentless driver with no skills at all then whatever Ron Dennis could do it would not help LH win. He obviously favours Hamilton emotionally and that came out in his unguarded statement but in no way does he professionally give him advantage over Alonso. May the best driver win the championship. Whether they are white, black, Spanish, Finnish or British. Whoever wins it now, deserves it. No excuses.

Marello, Coventry,

Congratulations to The Times!!! Independient newspaper. Finally we can read similar news about F1 in Spain and in the UK.

Jose, London, UK

I don't follow F1, it's boring I am afraid. As a 'non believer' and from a country point of view, a partisan, I will say this:

The first objective of any team's driver is to beat his team mate. Therefore, you are always racing him.

A decent team manager will have no allegiances, and will swap viewpoints for each discussion. When on the radio to Lewis he should helping him to beat Alonso, when talking to Alonso he should help him beat Lewis. This is the way to run a team... of course if one of the drivers shoots himself in the foot by being a big cry-baby and driving a wedge between himself and the team owner then it's likely at least one of the above conversations may never take place!

In the end, each driver makes his own luck and his own race. presumably next year will tell us more!

Paul Scofield, Milton Keynes, UK

Its strange, as whatever the events are that have been going on at McClaren, this is not the fault of Hamilton, and one suspects that the breakdown in the relationship between McClaren and Alonso is due to a somewhat dented ego of Alonso. There is no evidence that the team has been favouring Hamilton, and whatever the outcome of the championship I think we have seen the emergence of a driver who will eclipse the considerable achievements of Alonso.

James Macdonald, Brazil, São Paulo

Spain, a country behind Alonso. Dennis, next year you will know who Alonso is.

Rafa, Punta Umbría (Huelva), España

I don't think McLaren would risk spoiling tactics on Alonso even though I imagine that most of McLaren would rather Hamilton won (duh). The whole team is important - so Hamilton's crew will be fully psyched up, Alonso's won't be, they'll "do their job" - that can cost milliseconds here and there and that would be enough to explain Alonso's half second, lavatory door smashing arrears in China qualifying. I hope Hamilton does it - luck evens out (I think Alonso said that) - had Fuji and Shanghai been reversed then the whole picture would seem different (instead it's just the same). If not Hamilton, Kimi, he deserves it (and he is also a lesson to Hamilton, you can be great and go for years without winning the championship, so grab it while you can). And Hamilton had better watch out for Vettel, he could be great (don't ask Webber though, the wannabe whinging pom)

kj, Sorrento, Italy

Alonso or Kimi deserve he title. Hamilton has had a very sad and corrupted start in F1. Let's hope for the sake of the sport that he does not win. Enland can continue to celebrate their new hero while the rest of the world observes with disgrace.

John Hamilton, New York

John Hamilton, new york, usa

Is anyone in the remotest bit surprised that Ron and McLaren might prefer it if Lewis win over Fernando? He (FA) has nobody to blame but himself.

The McLaren team has bent over backwards to accomodate Fernando. The posters on here seem to conveniently forget the team (correctly) backing Fernando to the hilt at Monaco, also defending him in Hungary to the point that they left themselves open to ridicule. (The Press Conference springs to mind after qualifying.)

Hardly the actions of a team favouring one driver over another. In return they've got never ending whinging on a par with Nigel Mansell (who also could not take being beaten by his team mate and would make noises about the team mate being favoured / getting inequal eqpt) and his childish reaction in Hungary (despite the team publically defending him) indireclty cost the team the coveted Constructors tile and 100m bucks.

To suggest McLaren are doctoring his car is an insult to the the integrity of the mechanics.

Simon, Atlanta,

Alonso ceased to be a member of Mclaren the day he put himself above the team by inexplicably trying to blackmail his boss into giving him the status he felt he deserved. In any other business he would have been sacked outright, in F1 no chance. Is it such a surprise that no one at Mclaren wants the guy to win, he has consistently whined and created trouble within the team. And isn't it a competitive sport, why should anything be given to him. If he could win a world championship in a Renault then surely the difference between his Mclaren and Hamiltons isn't enough to offset his supposedly godlike skills, or maybe his skills aren't as godlike as he likes to think.

And finally to all the people who suggest Hamilton is a hack, come on doyou think all the other drivers who get beat every race by him would support that, including very good drivers in very good Ferrari's?

Scott, Longmont, USA

I´m from Oviedo, the city where fernando was born, Here everybody want that Fernando will be the champion, not only because he´s from here, also the people want it because, he is a typical asturian guy, that never stop fighting. who could win to Schumacher and FIA together last year, and now he is almost going to win to Hamilton, Mc Laren, FIA and german and english press, together this year. Sorry for my english level and ¡¡ÁNIMO ALONSO!! I want to hear again your: ¡¡¡¡TOMA!!!!

Andrés, Oviedo, Spain

Alonso himself confirmed that a F1 team can never act with true equality to its drivers. There have always been No. 1 and No. 2 drivers in F1 teams. To get indignant about this fact is frankly a nonsense. I would confidently bet that contributors to this page weren't screaming with outrage at Barrichello's treatment at Ferrari during his time there. Fans knew he didn't recieve the same service, understood why and didn't complain.

As with Schuey/Rubens there is a reason for the situation in the Mclaren garage

The manner in which Alonso became the 'Number 2' driver in McLaren is certainly unfortunate but mainly self inflicted. Formula is a team sport and he hasn't acted as a team player. His coments in the press prove his lack of team spirit. I belive it boils down to the fact he was anoyed the Lewis WAS an equal!
This becomes a self perpetuating problem. Alonso shows discomfort , the McLaren employees pick up on this and, Alonso's discomfort increases.
GO Lewis on Sunday!

Stuart Baylis, Worcester, England

So, if RD says that both drivers have the same car, the same tyres (yeah, rigth!), and the same strategies, and both are treated the same way (LOL)... why is the team racing AGAINST one of them ???

Either they are quit stupid or the allegued equaltiy is not true...
Dou you REALLY think that Alonso will have the same opportunities as Hamilton in Brazil...??? Come on!

Jacques, Cancale, France

You'd think they should be happy to win, whether it is Alonso or Hamilton. This just proves that they want Hamilton to win because he will be British, be the youngest and the first Black man to win the title.

Alice, Brighton,

I´m a spanish follower of Formula-1 and I have to say that cheater is the perfect word to describe Lewis Hamilton. Alonso is the man that has improved the McLaren car, all this season Hamilton copy all the settings of Fernando´s car. Fernando has been sanctioned this year a couple of times, but how many times Lewis?? 0.What happened in Fuji in the accident of Vettel??Why Lewis restrained??and why in shangai Lewis stay in the car 1minute and 15 second??THIS IS NOT LEGAL!!!!!And what do FIA??NOTHING.I think that the description to this situation is maFIA. Sorry but my english is a little poor. Alonso FOREVER.

toni, galapagar, spain

"Neither to a double champion, nor to a normal person." That's exactly what Alonso said.

Van, Barcelona, Spain

If Hamilton wins I personally will not be watching F1 until he stops driving anymore.

Matt, Portsmouth, UK

Alonso... in the homeland of Senna again. God bless Brazil. Alonso... the legend.

Rick, Koln, Germany

Actually, one wonders what would the likes of Hamiltons do if F1 was still the sport it was : 3-litre V10 cars. In downsized mickey mouse cars now, even a rookie can claim championship! Michael Schumaker is the true champ, rest are just pretenders. McClaren is the worst team for that.

John Tring, Singapore, Singapore

I hope Alonso wins because this will bring out the true feelings within the team. But in saying that McLaren were convicted of cheating so really they deserve nothing.

Joseph Suguturaga, Auckland, New Zealand

Ed,
the Britain LOVES the under dog, look at football, rugby , tennis. Beging of season Lewis was the under dog and now...Alonso is hard done buy and the new underdog...I give you the cheers in the pit lane on Sunday, it wasnt just non-Britons.
The public have a good idea whats going on at Mclaren despoite the polished exterior

Verbal, Midlands, Uk

Hamilton has benefitted from an extraordinary run of luck. He has benefitted from the wide berths other drivers gave him at the start of the first few races as an inexperienced rookie. He has benefitted from his more experienced teammates' setup knowledge. He has benefitted from a competitor's inside information. He has benefitted from a biased governing body who want to see a British champion. He has benefitted from a team biased in his favour. He has benefitted from an english-speaking press that exaggerates his every accomplishment.

Is there any reason to wonder why many fans outside of the UK see this as a tainted championship if Hamilton prevails?

On the other hand, if Alonso prevails it will be one of the greatest victories in F1 history.

mark, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The off track action is now outpacing the main event in F1. It's too bad the sport has become grown up-a marketing Jabberwock.

gerald, eastchester, ny

Do you remember the Sato point ?? it could return to Alonso if finally Teams "B" are declared no legal.

What happens if Alonso wins in Brazil and Hamilton gets the second place??

Would Hamilton have to wait the sentence to celebrate the championship ???

Has someone any idea about it ??

SueSumers, Paris, France

Ron has disgraced Bruce McLaren's name. I hope Spainard's remember how McLaren Mercedes treated a great hero and WC when they go to buy a car.

Frank, West Palm Beach, USA FL

I had read what Dennis said in spanish newspaper. I thought that no one english newspaper would publish that new, because it is obviously very bad for McLaren and for Hamilton.

Well, it's yet happened...

Tomorrow I will send to FIA that new, by fax and e-mail. And we shall see what happen then...

What Mr. Mosley and Mr. Ecclestone will say about it...??

Julio, Jaén, Spain

Here is the truth !!!!!. This is the way that McLaren plays.
At the end we all Know in which situation Fernando Alonso is, alone in a team where nobody respet a 2 times world champion.
After those words is clear who is this year champion, apart who will win in Brazil.

Sorry guys, but Alonso is the world champion again.

Hamillton, we will see next year with diferent teams.

Antonio, London,

One more proof of the so called british double standards and hypocrisy. Say one thing and do the other. Set rules for the others but not for yourselves. And this applies to the FIA, too. I just want to see a fair championship, not a driver favoured over the rest. If Hamilton wins this title, it will be worth nothing; however, if it is Alonso or Kimi, it will be worth double. I'm pretty sure the sponsors will want to consider twice whether they want to continue with ML. They better change colours, designs and sponsors for next year, so nobody identify the new car with this biased season.
All my best wishes are with Alonso, for all his suffering. It must be horrible to be on your own, but if not: go kimi!!!!!
Hamilton is pretty much hated outside the UK, if you want to check it, go to autosport.com and check the forums.

Blarney, Romford, Essex

The photograph, at the head of this article, shows Ron and Lewis outside the McClaren centre in the paddock. Presumably, if the sign behind them is correct, Alonso uses a rear door!!

R. P. Dixon., London,

Interestingly, when Bernie dismissed the drivers grumbles about a possible night race in Singapore he referred to two drivers. Coulthard (by any standards a very experienced racer) had his views dismissed because he "would not be around". Wrong on that one Bernie. The other was Alonso, then of course already 2 times world champion. His views were dismissed as those of a Johnny come lately ...
"'Fernando hasn't been around that long to be a judge of these things, and I don't think David will be around driving next year anyway, so we don't have to worry about that.'

I don't recall Mr Alonso getting uppity about that challenge to his exalted status, and he should have. As usual Bernie was speaking from somewhere in his pants.

Bill, Singapore,

Alonso goes to Ferrari, and the rest of the story you know it already: Best car + best driver = World championship

jlp27, London, England

go alonso...its almost impossible to get the 3rd world championship that normally should be yours..but all we know its a miracle that you can still win with all the strange decisions of the team and the fia with H.
Good luck..if u win all spain will shout with you.and then leave that team and show what you have the next year.

zero, Spain,

That's a shame. Dennis should close his big mouth. At least, all the people know the truth now.

Fangio, Maranello,