Hamilton: Alonso the greatest driver I've driven against

Hamilton and Alonso were teammates for a single year, the Spaniard a double world champion at the time and Hamilton the eager rookie. It was a fractious relationship that almost destroyed McLaren and their internal battle certainly cost either driver a world title in 2007.

Over a decade since then, the pair have mellowed over the years and now that the Spaniard is ending his F1 career respect has clearly grown between the two once bitter rivals.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton said of Alonso, "He's been one of the greatest drivers and, for me, arguably the greatest driver I've driven against. I wish him all the best moving on."

"I would say it is a shame that he's not as decorated as his ability, but sport is a very interesting machine and it's not just about being a great driver it's also how you manoeuvre, how you play the game."

"Like a chess game, it's how you position yourself - all these different things that also are a part of the package. Seventeen seasons is a lot and I have huge respect for that because it's not easy."

"You look at all the other drivers who have gone that kind of stint, like Jenson, it's a long time. Like Kobe Bryant [in basketball] staying within a sport for such a long period of time, it's a lot of commitment."

"A lot of time and dedication that people might not understand or appreciate, but naturally as I'm in the sport I can appreciate it," explained Hamilton.