Lewis Hamilton says Fernando Alonso's performances this season merit title
McLaren ace feels former team-mate should be a three-time winner
Tuesday 16 October 2012 15:53, UK
Lewis Hamilton believes his Ferrari rival Fernando Alonso is the driver who deserves to win this season's World Championship.
The events of Korea mean the 27-year-old own wait for a second drivers' title is now all-but certain to continue into a fifth season, although his 2013 challenge will take place at Mercedes following his decision to leave McLaren at the end of the season. His impending departure has led to suggestions that attitudes inside McLaren had changed towards him in recent weeks but Hamilton himself, echoing comments team-mate Jenson Button made on Monday, insists there is no disharmony at Woking. "I've never been distracted once this year. I'm still 100 per cent in this team to the last minute," the Briton said. "People will continue to say that there is a rift between me and Jenson but there honestly is no issue between us. "I have been part of this team for so many years and have a great relationship. I think I am loved as much as I love the team. "I hope it is possible to get a podium in the last four races but we weren't quick enough in Korea."
