WATCH: Throwback to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso's wheel to wheel fight in 2007 US Grand Prix

In a thrilling race at the 2007 United States Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton secured his second consecutive Formula 1 victory, holding off a relentless Fernando Alonso at Indianapolis. This throwback race reminds us of one of the many battles between two McLaren teammates that marked an iconic season in Formula 1 history.

As the lights went out, it felt like deja vu from the previous race in Canada. Alonso got the jump at the start, pressuring Hamilton into the first corner. However, unlike the previous Grand Prix, Alonso kept his car in check and remained on the track, but it was Hamilton who emerged ahead once again. Behind the McLarens, Felipe Massa secured third while Kimi Raikkonen, starting on the harder compound tyres, struggled as he was outpaced by Nick Heidfeld and Heikki Kovalainen.

The opening lap was far from smooth for everyone else. A collision between Ralf Schumacher's Toyota and David Coulthard's Red Bull triggered chaos in the midfield, ending the races of both drivers. Rookie Sebastian Vettel also found himself in trouble, running off track but managing to avoid further incidents. Despite these early disruptions, the stewards did not deploy the safety car, and racing resumed cleanly after the first lap.

How Hamilton held off experienced Alonso!

As the race unfolded, Fernando Alonso began chipping away at Hamilton’s lead. By lap 34, the Spaniard had closed the gap to a mere 0.6 seconds. The two McLaren drivers navigated through traffic, but a slight misstep from Hamilton in the hairpin allowed Alonso to close right up on him. 

The crowd held its breath as they crossed the line just a tenth of a second apart, with Hamilton holding his ground. Frustrated by Hamilton’s defensive moves, Alonso made his feelings known, swerving towards the pit wall to express his displeasure.

Here is the video:

McLaren 🆚 McLaren

Incredible drama as Alonso and Hamilton go head-to-head at Indianapolis 🍿#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/qovJeko38u

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 17, 2024

Despite Alonso’s pressure, Hamilton refused to give up the lead. Both drivers made their second pit stops around lap 50, with Alonso gaining ground with a quick out lap, but Hamilton managed to stay ahead by 1.7 seconds. With each lap, the tension built as both McLarens continued to trade fast times, but Hamilton remained in control.

Hamilton ultimately crossed the finish line first, securing his second win in eight days and stretching his championship lead to ten points. Alonso followed closely, and in a rare show of camaraderie, drove alongside Hamilton after the race to congratulate him on his victory. Behind them, Ferrari drivers Massa and Raikkonen finished third and fourth, while Sebastian Vettel, filling in for Robert Kubica, impressed with his first career point in eighth place.