There was no love lost between Hamilton and Alonso as an acrimonious partnership developed during their time at McLaren last year before ultimately exploding.

As if to underline the depth of ill feeling still prevalent inside Alonso, the Spaniard earlier this week made it clear he would help Felipe Massa win the world title.

Alonso also agreed with the stewards’ decision to punish Hamilton with a drive-through penalty for forcing Raikkonen off at the first corner of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, despite not having seen a replay of the incident.

But it is his assertion he will aid Massa’s cause that is certain to needle Hamilton, who nurses a slim five-point lead going into Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai.

When pointedly asked whether he would offer the Brazilian a helping hand, Alonso replied: “Yes, without doubt if I can help, I will help Massa.”

Despite having resurrected his own season by winning the last two races with Renault, Alonso has nothing to gain in doing what he can to assist Massa, other than to rile Hamilton.

That would certainly appear to be his gameplan, and whether it is by fair means or foul remains to be seen, but you can be assured the FIA will be watching closely.

As for Kubica, the BMW Sauber driver stoked up the apparent anti-Hamilton feeling ahead of the race in Fuji by questioning the 23-year-old’s driving standards at times this year.

Kubica drew particular attention to a couple of Hamilton’s moves at the Italian Grand Prix last month, with one pass on Toyota’s Timo Glock forcing the German to put two wheels on the grass to avoid a collision.

Such comments from Kubica drew a stinging rebuke from McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who effectively told the Pole to mind his own business.

Raikkonen, despite his ice-cool persona, must surely be starting to get a little hot under the collar with Hamilton’s antics.

The incident in Fuji followed Hamilton driving into the back of the Finn in the pitlane in Montreal during the Canadian Grand Prix, an accident that forced both drivers out of the race.

Then in the Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton passed Raikkonen in the now infamous chicane-cutting manoeuvre that sparked a furious debate and an appeal that was ultimately thrown out.

Hamilton will certainly arrive at the Shanghai circuit a man under pressure following his rush of blood to the head in Fuji, which has led to fierce criticism from all quarters.

Former three-times champion Jackie Stewart described Hamilton’s approach to the first corner as “slightly arrogant.”

More than ever, in what is still a young career, Hamilton needs to prove he can handle the going when it gets tough, with his family and his team likely to close ranks around him.

At least Massa is willing to offer an olive branch despite Hamilton accusing the Ferrari ace of deliberately trying to run him off the track at Fuji.

“We have a good relationship,” insisted Massa.

“I admire him as a driver and as a person, and I am sure he admires me as well.

“I am not going to take problems on the track off it, so I have no problem in saying hello to him and even discuss stuff and have some fun. No problem.

“I will not change my approach.”