Fernando Alonso: 'Lewis Hamilton is best driver'

Ferrari number one Fernando Alonso has stated his belief that Lewis Hamilton is the strongest driver on the Formula 1 circuit.

Alonso was edged out of last season's drivers' championship by just three points to Sebastian Vettel, with Hamilton some way behind in fourth.

However, Alonso has insisted that Hamilton is the "strongest driver".

"I think the strongest driver is Hamilton," Sky Sports News quotes Alonso as saying.

"That is a personal opinion and not a political statement. He will win some races with Mercedes [next season]."

The F1 season starts again in mid-March.