The 32-year-old established himself as one of the sport’s greatest ever drivers by clinching his fourth championship by finishing ninth in today’s Mexico Grand Prix with Sebastian Vettel only able to finish fourth.
Only Michael Schumacher (7) and Juan Manel Fangio (5) have more world titles than Hamilton while he drew level with Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel.
The latter was Hamilton’s closest challenger for the season but his battle for the championship tailed off in the last couple of months.
But Hamilton is currently 71 points ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Valterri Bottas who, while has enjoyed his best year in Formula One since joining the team at the start of the year, has never challenged Hamilton like Nico Rosberg has in previous years.
LEWIS HAMILTON WINS FOURTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: RELIVE ALL THE ACTION HERE
Both Ferrari and Red Bull have relatively closed the gap to Mercedes this year but Alonso believes McLaren can be in the mix next season and wants to see a closer battle in the standings.
“It was very easy this year, no opponents,” Alonso said.
“Last year he had Nico until the last race, fighting every single race.
“This year was too easy. Mercedes four races to the end constructors’ champion, Hamilton three races before the end drivers’ champion.
“Hopefully McLaren-Renault will change this easy time for them.”
After Hamilton suffered a puncture on the opening lap after a coming together with Vettel he was forced to battle through the pack and that led to a battle with Alonso for ninth place.
And the Spaniard believes he reminded his former team-mate of his capabilities.
“I think he knows, he knows.” Alonso said. “He knows also how strong the McLaren car [is] in the corners, he saw also today.
“Next year hopefully we can give a little bit harder time to him.”