Throwback: GOAT battle between Fernando Alonso & Lewis Hamilton in 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton are two of the greatest drivers in Formula 1. Max Verstappen recently joined them after his epic win of four consecutive F1 titles. But the 2023 F1 season was amazing for Alonso as he showed some glimpse of his past. The Spanish F1 legend has been driving in Formula 1 since 2001 and has two F1 titles. He is now aiming for his third F1 title before his retirement. That is the reason he brought Adrian Newey from Red Bull, and the 2026 season will be his final try towards his goal. 

The 2023 season was nothing but extraordinary for Red Bull and Max Verstappen. They won 20 out of 21 races, with Max winning 19. It was also the first season for Alonso with Aston Martin, as Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement the previous year. But the legend showed his talent in his first-ever race for Aston Martin at the season opener in Bahrain. Alonso started in 5th, and during the race start, he was hit by his teammate Lance Stroll and lost his lead. The Spaniard then fought for the position from the back end. 

Also Read: F1 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix full schedule, all race timings, F1 teams and drivers standings & How to watch the race

Watch: GOAT battle between Alonso and Hamilton, 2025 Bahrain GP

2023 Bahrain GP 🇧🇭

Fernando Alonso delivered a masterclass in his first race with Aston Martin, overtaking drivers including Hamilton and climbing to the podium. 🐐#f1 #formula1 #sportsinfoxtreme #LewisHamilton #FernandoAlonso #BahrainGP #Sakhir pic.twitter.com/AaPAHxV2SM

— SportsInfo Xtreme (@Sportsinfo22073) April 8, 2025

Alonso beat George Russell in a wheel battle, and his next target was Lewis Hamilton. The British driver and Alonso were teammates in the 2007 F1 season, and after many years, they clashed again in Bahrain. The former Mercedes driver didn't expect Alonso to come this fast. The Aston Martin surprised everyone with its pace and attacking skill. Fernando overtook Lewis for the first time but slipped and lost his lead. He once again tried going against Hamilton, and this time, he fake-dive-bombed on the outside and overtook Hamilton to the inside corner.

The two GOATs racing against each other was a lifetime view for many new fans. Alonso then overtook his fellow counterpart Carlos Sainz and took the podium. In recent times, the 2023 season was the best year for Alonso; as for most of his F1 career, he raced in a slower machine against powerful teams. 

Also Read: 2025 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Top 5 Predictions: Will Max Verstappen Win Two in a Row?