Fernando Alonso has labelled Lewis Hamilton's criticism of data sharing in Formula One as "strange" and cheekily suggested the Briton may have won the world title last season had he paid closer attention to information generated by Nico Rosberg.

Three-time world champion Hamilton claimed via a Facebook Q&A that it is "unfair" that drivers can improve their own results by analysing braking points and driving lines of team-mates.

Hamilton later clarified that his comments were a generic view on F1 and not a dig at new Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

But Alonso expressed surprise at his former McLaren team-mate's views.

"He said many times that he was learning from the data," Alonso said in quotes reported by Sky Sports.

"Mercedes are one of those teams that are using more of the data between the engineers to help the drivers, so he said something that was a little bit strange.

"If he was watching more data from Rosberg last year, maybe he would have won the championship!"

Rosberg shocked the world of F1 by retiring following his maiden world title win, but Alonso has no intention of following suit in the immediate future.

The Spaniard added: "I respect his decision, but if you are winning, you have that adrenaline, that final result you work for the year for in Formula 1. 

"In my case I cannot stop. It's like a drug."