Hamilton hits back at Alonso comments

(GMM) Lewis Hamilton has hit back at teammate Fernando Alonso's claim that he is personally responsible for much of McLaren's step forward in 2007.

Spaniard Alonso, already at loggerheads with his British teammate and boss Ron Dennis, told reporters in Turkey that he had felt nothing "given back to me" despite delivering up to six tenths per lap of performance to the MP4-22.

And while championship leader Hamilton confessed that the reigning world champion had contributed to the team "hugely" this year, he suggests that Alonso's comments fail to recognise the contribution of McLaren's 1000-strong staff.

"It's a lot of people, so if he's found six tenths, then what have they found?" the Briton wondered to ITV.

"It's really through their work."

Hamilton acknowledged a good driver's contribution to a team's performance but said no individual can take all the credit.

"You know … they make improvements, we test them out, so it's really a team thing; it's not one individual that's found all that time."

While playing down Alonso's comments, meanwhile, McLaren's F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh surmised that the quotes might have been motivated by the Spaniard's competitive streak.

"I think Fernando is immensely competitive and looking for an advantage, he said.

"He's certainly bringing a lot — he's a great, great driver.