Hamilton reveals intentions for next year: 'I want to drive here again'

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will have a tough job with Max Verstappen this year if he is to successfully defend his title status. The Mercedes still seems to have lost the lead on the rest of the grid, and Bottas' crash at Imola has also left its mark on the budget. Speaking to the press today, the British driver looked ahead to the Portuguese Grand Prix.

It's a familiar song by now, Mercedes and Red Bull Racing pointing to each other as the favourites. It's no different in Portugal and at the press conference, Hamilton opens the finger-pointing. "Red Bull are still ahead of us in terms of performance," said the world champion, quoted by Motorsport-Total.com.

The arrival of sprint races

At the British Grand Prix, Formula 1 will have a sprint race for the first time. Hamilton says he hasn't really looked into it yet. "I don't really know that much about it yet," he said.

When the principle of the sprint race is explained to him, he can tell a bit more about it. "I've always said that some races should have a different format. Especially on circuits like Monaco. It's beautiful there, but not necessarily a good race. So I think it's good that they are experimenting. Hopefully, we will learn something from it."

Hamilton wants to drive F1 in 2022

When Hamilton is asked about a test with Pirelli he did after Imola with the new 18-inch tyres, the Briton casually reveals his plans for next year as well. "I want to drive here again next year, so I'd like to help Pirelli make a better product." Officially, Hamilton does not yet have a contract for next year.