Fernando Alonso takes a dig at Lewis Hamilton over joining Ferrari

Fernando Alonso has dismissed claims from Lewis Hamilton that joining Ferrari was his 'childhood dream'.

The seven-time world champion startled the Formula 1 community earlier this month by declaring his departure from Mercedes after the season to join the sport's most renowned team.

Hamilton expressed that he would be realising a childhood aspiration as he takes the wheel for Ferrari in the upcoming season.

Alonso, who competed for Ferrari from 2010 to 2014, has raised uncertainties about his former teammate Hamilton's aspirations, as he spoke during the unveiling of his new Aston Martin car for the forthcoming season.

"It was not his childhood dream 12 months ago, no? Or two months ago, I guess. It was a different dream," the Spaniard told reporters.

"I hope he enjoys the experience. I think it's a very special team. But it's more special when you win… It's few years already [since] they have a very fast car and they were fighting for big things.

"Maybe Lewis can bring that extra to fight for the championship because the car is there."

Alonso is a two-time world champion but has not secured a victory since the 2013 season, primarily due to the scarcity of competitive cars at his disposal.

Hamilton's switch to Ferrari creates an opportunity at Mercedes, the team that clinched seven consecutive drivers' championships before Red Bull's recent dominance with Max Verstappen—six by Hamilton and one by Nico Rosberg.

Turning 43 this year, Alonso seems to have expressed interest in the Mercedes seat, especially with his contract at Aston Martin set to expire at the end of the season.

"I am aware of my situation which is very unique. There are only three world champions on the grid and I am the only one available for 2025, so I am in a good position.

"On a move to Mercedes, there has been nothing at all. I know the driver market has started earlier this year, but this will not affect me in terms of preparing for the season.

"If I want to keep racing beyond this year, the first and only talk at the beginning will be Aston Martin. I trust this project and that will be my first priority.

"But if we cannot reach an agreement I know that I am attractive to other teams. I will not stay in Formula One just to have fun. I am not that kind of person and not that kind of driver. Let's see what the options are," he added.

Alonso showed why he remains one of the sport's top drivers in 2023, securing a fourth-place finish in the championship with eight podiums. The seasoned driver achieved six podiums in the initial eight rounds, and he could have potentially ended his decade-long victory drought if his team's strategy had been more precise during the rain-affected Monaco Grand Prix.

While the performance of the Silverstone-based team declined in the latter part of the year, Alonso continued to surpass the capabilities of his car, clinching additional podiums in the Netherlands and Brazil.

This season, Alonso is set to make history as the first driver to participate in 400 races throughout his career.