Fernando Alonso believes Lewis Hamilton should be considered among the top five greatest Formula 1 champions in history.
Despite the tumultuous start to their relationship as teammates at McLaren in 2007, the two drivers have gone on to grow a healthy respect for each other with the Spaniard often heaping praise on the Mercedes driver.
On the weekend when Hamilton can claim a fifth world title at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Alonso put the 33-year-old in strong company when considering the best quintet of all-time.
“I would probably say Michael [Scumacher], Fangio, Senna, Prost and Lewis. This would probably be the top five for me," he said.
“It is difficult to compare those different times and different championships but Lewis matching Fangio with five will be a great achievement."
Asked if he thought that feat was possible when he first teamed up with Hamilton 11 years ago, Alonso replied: "Probably at that time it was difficult to imagine what the future could bring for Lewis and for any of the guys on the grid but definitely he had shown the talent from day one.
"Fighting for the championship in his rookie year, winning in 2008, probably at that time we all agreed that five or seven world championships would be possible."
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A noticeable name he left out is Hamilton's main title rival the past two years Sebastian Vettel, with the McLaren driver never having the same level of admiration for the German as he now has for the Briton.
“If one [driver] had to do that [match Fangio] in our generation, I am happy it is Lewis as he has shown the talent and commitment," he continued.
“When the car is dominating then he delivers and when it is not good enough to win a world championship he still puts in the performance to show his talent.
“That is difficult to see nowadays.”
