Formula 1 Qualifying Scandal: Alonso vs Hamilton, as it happened

In 2007, tensions were high in Formula 1. The 'Spygate' scandal had plunged McLaren and Ferrari into an unprecedented feud, and accusations of espionage were tearing McLaren apart internally. On top of that, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s growing mistrust erupted during Q3 in the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, with both drivers publicly displaying their frustrations.

At the time, F1’s qualifying rules were notoriously complex. In Q3, drivers started with the fuel load they'd use for the race. The goal was to balance burning fuel for lighter, faster laps while saving enough for a stronger race start. McLaren, aiming for fairness, rotated who got to burn fuel first. In Hungary, Alonso was supposed to go first, but Hamilton didn’t let him pass, claiming Alonso was too far behind. Alonso switched to economy mode, while Hamilton pushed hard, thinking he’d benefit from both strategies.

However, Alonso held up Hamilton in the pits, preventing him from getting a final lap and securing pole position for himself. Afterward, McLaren’s press briefing became a tense affair. Alonso sat silently, chewing a pear, while Hamilton was absent. Team principal Ron Dennis inadvertently worsened the situation, revealing internal conflicts. The briefing grew heated as the drivers gave conflicting answers, and McLaren’s F1 managing director eventually stepped in to stop the chaos.

This public fallout intensified mistrust within the team, creating a toxic atmosphere that McLaren has worked to move past. Now, 10 years later, the F1 team seems to handle its struggles with better humor, knowing their current challenges pale in comparison to the turmoil of 2007 Formula 1 season.

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