Old pals act fools nobody, Lewis

"It's as good as ever," Hamilton said of their relationship, ahead of Sunday's title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix.

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"I think we have got on quite well all year, despite what the media have reported."

Alonso concurred: "We never have problems with each other."

In keeping with Formula One's well-earned image for choreography, the McLaren pair shared the front row in yesterday's press conference at Interlagos. They smiled and shook hands.

Hamilton even joked that Alonso at 26 — four years his senior — is growing his hair because he is in danger of losing it. It was bogus bonhomie.

What else could it be after Hamilton's scathing denunciation of Alonso as not the man he imagined? Nor can you easily scrub Hamilton's declaration that he does not want the double world champion to be his team-mate next season.

Then there are Alonso's regular briefings to Spanish journalists, raging against the bias he perceives McLaren are showing towards the upstart who could steal his crown.

He has even hinted at skulduggery within the team, making cryptic references to his tyre pressures being meddled with. The FIA responded by detailing an official to ensure there is parity this weekend.

His wish satisfied, Alonso now has the temerity to claim he was not worried to start with. "I don't agree with this solution," he said.

"But it's not up to us. It's OK, but we don't need anything like it.

"I trust the team, despite what happened in China (when Hamilton beat him to pole)."

What are we to make of all this? A convincing explanation was provided by Nelson Piquet, drawing on first-hand experience of the mind games he encountered on the way to three world titles.

The Brazilian said: "I don't think the suspicions of sabotage are real. But race after race the situation has degenerated.

"Up to the Belgian Grand Prix last month it was under control. But in Japan and China a verbal fight has started between Hamilton, Alonso and Ron Dennis that has no precedent in Formula One.

"Alonso is bitter, but with nothing to lose he understands that the more confusion and nervousness there is on the track and in the garage, the more the situation plays into his hands.

"His objective was to destabilise Hamilton, as I used to do with Nigel Mansell by saying his wife was ugly and he was dumb.

"But he doesn't seem to have managed it with Hamilton, while the relationship between Alonso and Dennis seems compromised beyond repair."

Alonso looks certain to move after top brass of McLaren's partner, Mercedes, met in Stuttgart this week to sanction his departure.

They feel the rowing is damaging to their brand. However, Alonso will be picky about where he goes, given that he turned down a £25million offer from Toyota which would have doubled his salary. Renault are still the probable destination.

Before then there is Sunday's three-way fight for the title. Alonso is four points behind Hamilton, with Kimi Raikkonen a further three off the top.

The trio were outwardly relaxed as they faced a press interrogation yesterday.

Hamilton said: "I have fire in my heart. I am feeling fresh. I'm a little more relaxed than in China."

Sunday's race — in front of a late afternoon TV audience in Europe — marks the culmination of a mouthwatering weekend for British sport, with England facing South Africa in the rugby World Cup Final on Saturday night.

Hamilton said: "It is one of the best times for our country. I am pleased and proud to be in a position where I can do something.

"I really want England to win. I watched the last game and I had a great time with a few friends. One said France were going to win and I said: 'No way!' It was amazing to see the spirits of the guys."

However, Hamilton is not letting his thoughts wander too far. He said: "I feel totally relaxed and confident in the team and our ability.

"But I haven't imagined myself as champion. I think if you get too ahead of yourself, that's when you make mistakes."