Johnny Herbert Picks Alonso Over Hamilton in Equal Car Showdown

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has stated he would pick Fernando Alonso over Lewis Hamilton if both were in identical cars. Herbert's reasoning centers on Alonso's perceived ability to extract maximum performance from a subpar Aston Martin, a quality he felt was missing from Hamilton's recent driving with Mercedes.

Why it matters:

This commentary from a respected former driver adds a new layer to the long-standing debate over who is the more adaptable driver. It challenges the narrative surrounding Hamilton's genius by questioning his recent ability to perform in a car that isn't a dominant frontrunner, while simultaneously reinforcing Alonso's reputation as a master at maximizing the potential of any machinery.

The details:

• Herbert's Choice: Speaking on the Stay on Track podcast, Herbert didn't hesitate when asked who he'd bet on, stating, "I’d probably go [with] Fernando. Fernando is in a bad car."
• The Contrast: Herbert highlighted the difference in their approaches, saying he "never saw that happen last year with Lewis, which I’m sort of shocked we never saw." He was referring to Alonso's ability to "squeeze that extra something out of it."
• Hamilton's Demeanor: The former Benetton driver described Hamilton's recent post-race interviews as difficult to watch. "I look at his face and those interviews after the race, and you go, he’s lost. He cannot understand what he needs to do to get around the problem he’s got."

Looking ahead:

This debate will be put to the test in the coming seasons. Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 presents a fresh challenge with a new team, while Alonso remains with Aston Martin as they push to become genuine title contenders. Their respective performances in these new environments will provide the ultimate real-world answer to Herbert's hypothetical showdown.