World champion looking to replicate Bahrain 2014 fight with team-mate Nico Rosberg throughout next season with Ferrari driver
Friday 9 October 2015 06:20, UK
Lewis Hamilton says he would relish wheel-to-wheel battles with Sebastian Vettel in 2016.
In a mouthwatering vision which is likely to appeal to every F1 fan, Hamilton - romping away with this year's world championship - admitted he dreams of on-track battles with Vettel similar to the one he enjoyed with Nico Rosberg in Bahrain last season.
A race-long duel in the desert in 2014 saw Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Rosberg repeatedly trade positions as they fought for the lead, with plenty of late lunges into corners and just millimetres between the cars.
"What would be cool, and we don't see it too often, is a race like Nico and I had in Bahrain last year," Hamilton told Sky Sports News HQ.
"That was like a karting race and that is why karting is so much fun to watch. If we had that in Formula 1 every weekend, we would probably go crazy because it is too exciting. I'd love to have that with me and Sebastian."
While that fight may occur in 2016, Hamilton is wary of the Scuderia in Russia and knows Mercedes cannot afford to rest on their laurels despite dominating in Sochi last year.
"They have obviously been quick in a couple of races, they have had a few wins, one of them was right behind Nico in the last race so they've obviously got good pace and they still have tokens for their engines so they will continue to improve," he added.
"I don't know if they are going to use, or will have improved by this weekend, but they are a serious threat and I really can't predict the future. All I know is we will continue to push so they have got to have their wits about them as we are not going to give up."
Meanwhile, with Vettel's former team Red Bull issuing another threat to quit the sport, Hamilton told reporters he didn't understand the former world champions' attitude now they are no longer winning regularly.
"It seems really odd for me, having witnessed Red Bull's success and then the moment that they don't have success, they get upset about it," he said.
"I've not seen that with any other team. Growing up watching Formula 1, I never noticed that with Ferrari, when they lost the championship after having successes - I don't remember, maybe they did - but I didn't hear them complain.
"You just have to keep pushing forwards. There's no reason for them to give up: they've got great drivers; they've got a great pedigree; they've incredible success; they still have a pretty awesome car.
"All those people that have a job, are they going to get rid of all those people through something that's not the biggest end? It's still a success. You just have to work hard at it."
Veteran predicts big gains during off-season for struggling McLaren
Don't miss Sky Sports F1's live weekend-long coverage of the 2015 Russian Grand Prix. Our race-day show begins at 10.30am on Sunday, with lights out at 12 noon. Watch the Russian GP for £6.99 with NOW TV
