Lewis Hamilton has said that he was "blown away" by comments made by arch rival Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard said that 2008 world champion Hamilton is "the one who's able to clinch a championship with a car that's not the best".

The relationship between Hamilton and Alonso as teammates at McLaren in 2007 was frictious and the British driver has described Alonso as his "nemesis" in the past.

"I'm blown away Fernando is so positive towards me despite my season," Hamilton said. "It's nice to know I've got support from some drivers.

"Despite the relationship we've had, I think our friendship and the respect we have for one another has got a lot stronger.

"So it's nice to see that coming out because I've only ever said he is one of the best drivers, if not the best driver here."

Both men are currently competing at the penultimate race weekend of the 2011 season in Abu Dhabi.