Fernando Alonso hails legend Lewis Hamilton on eve of his 300th Formula One race

Lewis Hamilton has been hailed as a Formula One legend by Fernando Alonso on the eve of his 300th Grand Prix.

Hamilton will bring up his triple ton at Sunday’s French Grand Prix at the Circuit Paul Ricard, becoming only the sixth driver in the sport’s history to reach the landmark figure.

The Mercedes man started his career alongside Alonso at McLaren in 2007 before going on to take a record-equalling seven world championships.

Hamilton will join Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button in the exclusive 300 club.

“He has been a tremendous driver and a legend of our sport,” said two-time world champion Alonso. “It has always been a pleasure to share the grid with him.

“He had the talent in 2007, and he still has the talent now, but with the experience. Back then, no one thought someone would be able to win seven titles as Michael did, but the journey he has had has been amazing.

“Congratulations to him on reaching 300 and hopefully he will get another win soon.”

Hamilton endured a fractious relationship with Alonso who ended up quitting McLaren after just one season – the two drivers ended the year level on points.

Championship triumphs against Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas followed for Hamilton, before he came unstuck against Max Verstappen in last year’s contentious and compelling title battle.

But Hamilton highlighted Alonso – now 40 and racing for midfield team Alpine – as his fiercest challenger.

“Every time you are against a driver, you are in a different place in your life,” said Hamilton. “I remember the task of being alongside Fernando when I was 22.

“I was so young mentally, and there was a pressure of going up against a great like him.