‘Unbelievable’ – Lewis Hamilton slammed by long-time F1 rival Fernando Alonso after US Grand Prix practice

FUMING Fernando Alonso tore into Lewis Hamilton during practice for the US Grand Prix.

The long-term rivals were getting in the extra laps during the extended Friday session to test the tyres on the COTA 2023 track.

Fernando Alonso was annoyed with Lewis Hamilton during FP2

But veteran Alonso was left annoyed when he had to abort a flying lap.

After a blistering start, the Spaniard had to put on the brakes when he caught up with Hamilton.

Alonso, 41, could not overtake the seven-time world champion and seemingly was not left enough space to go round him.

And the two-time Formula One champ – who clashed with Hamilton in Belgium – was understandably frustrated with his former McLaren team-mate.

He complained down the team radio: “Hamilton has no mirrors today. Unbelievable!”

It compounded a difficult day for the Alpine driver who was 17th fastest in FP2 – while Hamilton was eighth.

The Brit, 37, has four races to try and avoid his first season without a single race win.

But the Mercedes driver is feeling optimistic heading into Sunday’s Texas showdown.

Hamilton said: “Firstly, I’m super grateful to everyone back at the factory for working so hard and bringing us the upgrade for this weekend.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone at the factory and for them to be continuously pushing and keeping their heads down and pulling out these new upgrades, I’m super grateful. I kept the car in one piece today – just about – which is good.

“And definitely felt improvements in the car. Obviously, FP2 was a bit of a waste in terms of figuring out performance, but P1 was feeling quite good.

“I’m hoping we make some changes tonight and we’ll find out exactly where we stand. But it doesn’t feel like we are too far away.”

Alonso and Hamilton were team-mates in 2007 but haven’t always seen eye to eye