Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill believes Lewis Hamilton was "playing with fire" when directing a friendly dig at Fernando Alonso. Aston Martin driver Alonso finished ahead of Hamilton at the Canadian Grand Prix, with both drivers joining runaway championship leader Max Verstappen on the podium at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. But Hamilton's Mercedes flashed past Alonso as the two-time World Champion made a slow start, with the Briton settling into second. The pair almost clashed in the pits with Hamilton released into Alonso's path, though Mercedes Team Principal suggested the Spaniard's shaking of the steering wheel was "a bit of drama". Hamilton would escape punishment for the release but was ultimately unable to keep the advancing Aston Martin behind on track, eventually settling for third.
Positive for Hamilton
The former McLaren teammates enjoy a respectful rivalry despite heated moments across the past 16 years, including a falling out after last year's Belgian Grand Prix. During post-race media duties and stood alongside each other, Hamilton directed a jibe at Alonso over his slow start, joking: "His reactions are a little slow... it's an age thing." "I thought he was playing with fire a little bit with the friendly dig he gave Fernando Alonso about jumping him at the start, saying that it’s because he’s a bit old now, because the second oldest guy in Formula 1 is Lewis Hamilton," Hill told The Express . "But the good thing is that Fernando shows there’s life after 40. Lewis is probably thinking: 'Great, I’ve got a few more seasons.'"
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