I'm not completely comfortable at McLaren, says Alonso

Jun 12, 2007, 13:59 GMT

Madrid - Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso says he does not feel comfortable in his first season with McLaren and believes the British team is giving preference to newcomer Lewis Hamilton.

The 26-year-old Spaniard told Spain's Cadena Ser radio he had misgivings as soon as he joined the team at the end of 2006 from Renault where he won two successive world titles.

'From the first moment, I wasn't completely comfortable. I am in an English team, with an English team-mate, who is doing brilliantly,' he said.

'We knew all the support and help would go his way. It is something I understand and I'm not complaining.'

Hamilton won his first Formula One race at Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix and has been on the podium in all six of his races, finishing second four times.

Alonso, who finished seventh in Montreal, is eight points behind Hamilton in the championship.

Alonso said he was still confident of winning a third consecutive world title.

'I've won two races out of six and I've finished on the podium four times and I have those 40 points that will allow me to fight for the title in the end,' he said.

'I'm calm, I'm fine, though I know there is some impatience to return to the top and dominate.

'But I'm second in the championship, I'm eight points behind. It would be worse if I were at Renault, or Honda or any other team.'

Asked if he felt some of the mechanics in the team celebrated Hamilton's successes more than his, Alonso said: 'I have sensed it a little, but I understand it, it's an English team.'