Last week Mercedes confirmed their 2013 driver line-up, with Lewis Hamilton joining Nico Rosberg at the German squad, ending the 2008 F1 Champion's 14 year relationship with the Woking-based outfit.
Alonso, who was Hamilton's team mate at McLaren in 2007, believes his former team mate made the right decision to leave McLaren.
"I think it's normal. It's a step in your career," the Spaniard said. "I think for Lewis it is a good thing to move on and for McLaren. Alain Prost went out, Ayrton Senna, then it was me, now it's Lewis, and normally for a better life, for a good change. McLaren has been 14 years without winning the constructors championship, most of those years sometimes with the best car. I'm sure Lewis wants to win as well."
Although Mercedes has failed to produce a winning car and be a regular contender for victory since its return to F1, Alonso is sure that Hamilton will bebattling for the title right from the start.
"I think he did great in McLaren. He won one world championship. He won races," said Alonso of his ex-team mate. "He is considered one of the best drivers, and I think next year he will enjoy it more. He will be very competitive, and I think from next year he will be a contender for the championship. Mercedes is a top team with Ross Brawn there and all the potential of a big company behind. So they are strong."
