“McLaren have not won the constructors’ championship for 14 years and most of
these years sometimes with the best car. I am sure Lewis wants to win as
well.”
Hamilton has been quick to play down his hopes of challenging for the title in
2013, but Alonso is in no doubt the 2008 world champion will once again be
one of his main rivals.
When asked if he expected a Hamilton title tilt with Mercedes, Alonso said: “I
think so, I think he did great in McLaren. He won one world championship,
which is the target for all of us.
“He won races, he is considered one of the best drivers and for next year I
think he will enjoy more and be very competitive.
“From next year I think he is a clear contender for the championship with
Mercedes. They are a top team and with Ross Brawn there and with all the
potential of a big company behind they are very strong.”
Hamilton’s switch means he will partner his former go-karting team-mate Nico
Rosberg.
And Rosberg sees no reason why the pair should not work well together, but
made it clear he does not fear Hamilton’s arrival at the Brackley-based
team.
Rosberg said: “At the moment I have a seven-time champion as my team-mate so
the competition I have is very high.
“I think it will be a difficult challenge, it has been a good challenge over
the last three years with Michael and I am looking forward to the challenge
with Lewis.
“I remember him in go-karts, he is tough opposition for sure, he is one of the
best out there at the moment. It will be good and it’s great he is joining
the team.”
He added: “I don’t see it as a defining season. Every season is important in
F1 and next year will be important too.
“I am confident I will do a good job, and confident I will do well and push
hard to do well. How I compare with my team-mate remains to be seen. I am
not worried or anything as such.”