Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton Spygate's Fallout Boys

Like many top sportsmen, Alonso needs to be pampered, and told how good he is. He shouldn't have expected that from McLaren this season.

It must be said that Hamilton hasn't exactly helped the situation. Knowing he has Dennis' support, the rookie has often publicly criticised Alonso.

Clever psychology?

Maybe.

Manipulative?

Certainly.

Pathetic?

Yes.

Which brings us to Spygate.

Spygate was a very good opportunity for Hamilton to get one over on Alonso, after the now infamous emails passed between Alonso and test-driver Pedro De La Rosa (see Part 1).

Alonso threatened to go to the FIA with the contents of these emails if he wasn't granted exclusive number-one status on the team. It was a desperate ploy—and Hamilton wasted no time saying he'd never stoop to such a level.

Alonso has said some stupid things this season, and more importantly has made some stupid mistakes—like blocking Hamilton in Hungary so he wouldn't have time to get in another lap for pole position...or jeopardising Hamilton's race in Italy by nearly running him off the road...or simply joining McLaren in the first place.

You have to admit, though, that he's in a pretty tough spot.

Can you imagine Michael Schumacher in Alonso's position? Even the unflappable former champ may have had the smirk wiped off his face.

Then again, he wouldn't have let it happen in the first place—Schumacher would've stayed put instead of going to another team for financial gain, or would've found a team that could love him as he deserved to be loved.

He did make the right move—to Ferrari—and the rest is history.

As it stands, there's a clear winner at McLaren. Not only has Hamilton trumped Alonso in status—he's beaten him on the track.

There's no doubt that Alonso will look to reclaim his world-class status in 2008. But where?

McLaren?

Doubtful.

Renault?

They'd love him back.

Ferrari?

Wouldn't that be an ironic turn of events in a Schumacher-esque season.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is two steps away from the most amazing achievement in sport this year, and possibly in Formula One history: winning the title in his rookie year.

He has managed to outfox Alonso and the rest of the field with clever manipulation, brilliant driving, and competitive instincts.

For that he should be commended. 

Unfortunately, he's also two steps away from being the most arrogant man in sport. And nobody likes a big head.

For that he should be condemned.

Who does Hamilton think he is, Michael Schumacher? That's so not British.            

Please, let's keep the rivalry on the track; this off-track nonsense is sad and annoying. Shut up and drive boys—it's what you're paid to do.

And when you're not too busy slating one another, it's what you do best.

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