Hamilton: “With McLaren we could see four teams fighting for the championship”

A few days after receiving the world champion trophy for the 2017 season from Formula 1 in Paris Lewis Hamilton visited one of the factories Mercedes-Benz located in Sindelfingen (Germany). Between two handshakes with employees, the Briton explained that his mind was already turned towards next year.

Quadruple crowned, Lewis Hamilton knows he can pocket a fifth title in 2018. “When I get to the first round (in Australia at the end of March), I will know that I will have a chance to win the championship. It’s the same state of mind that I perpetuate from year to year. When I prepare physically during the winter, I firmly believe that we can be contenders for the titles. Of course, this may not be confirmed on the track, but it is necessary to have this approach. Obviously, if you go into the season with the ambition of finishing in fifth place, it's not going to work.", He explains.

The outgoing champion thus draws up a first inventory of the situation within the peloton. "With McLaren who will benefit in 2018 of the Renault power unit, we could see four teams fighting for the championship. I think that Red Bull will be faster (only in 2017) ; Ferrari will certainly be fast again. We cannot stay still, we must continue to move forward. »

While waiting for the winter tests planned in Barcelona (Spain) at the end of February, Lewis Hamilton will enjoy the pure mountain air, with his dogs. “It’s very peaceful there. I spend most of my time watching the fireplace. My brother and friends are Game of Thrones fans, so I'll probably watch that show during the break. »