Championship-leading rookie Lewis Hamilton said on Thursday that his stunning success is creating some tension between him and McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso.
"I doubt he expected me to do as well as I am but I don't know that's why he's saying what he's saying," Hamilton told a US Grand Prix news conference when asked about a recent suggestion by Alonso that the team favoured the Briton.
"He's the two-time world champion but he hasn't been really challenged by someone as close as me and as good a friend off the track, so it is a very difficult situation," added the 22-year-old.
Hamilton won last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, his first Formula One victory, while Alonso finished seventh. The rookie now leads the Spaniard by eight points after six rounds and could stretch that further in Sunday's race at The Brickyard.
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Alonso told Spain's Cadena Ser radio this week that he is uneasy with the euphoria surrounding Hamilton at the team and felt the Briton, who has reached the podium in all six of his starts, is receiving more support.
McLaren chief Ron Dennis dismissed any suggestion of favouritism and Hamilton said he believes both drivers are being treated equally by the British-based team.
"I find it strange what he said, because I feel ever since he joined the team, the team has been extremely motivated to push us both towards winning," said Hamilton.
"Ron and the other guys on the team have been working very hard to make sure we have equal opportunity.
"I don't see why he would say that but I guess because he is Spanish and I am English, he might feel that way but I don't agree with it personally."
