Hamilton: In the Formula 1 there is no other pilot level Alonso

In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Lewis Hamilton called Fernando Alonso strongest pilot of a modern Formula 1 and said a few words about the three-time world champion Sebastian Vettel...

Lewis Hamilton: "I think that Formula 1 is not the same strong driver, Fernando Alonso. When we played together at McLaren, I understand you very well, how fast. It is perfectly analyzes the situation on the road, and continues to prove it year after year.

Vettel? I find it difficult to assess its capabilities, because we never played together as a team. However, he is incredibly fast racer, which in recent years has managed to achieve outstanding results.

A great honor for me to come in Mercedes in place of Michael, because he is a legend of Formula 1. I hope that I will be able to continue the work which he began. I don't think we can fight for the victory in the first race, but during the season we need to reduce the gap to the leaders."