Lewis Hamilton would like to have Max Verstappen make it a three-way fight for the Formula 1 title in 2019.
The top three teams are expected to maintain their grip at the front of the grid this season, however, the question will be whether Red Bull can produce a more consistent challenge to Mercedes and Ferrari.
A change to Honda engines will likely determine if that is the case, and after getting a taste of going wheel-to-wheel with the Dutchman last year, the five-time F1 champion would welcome more opportunities to do so again.
“I’m hoping that we get to have more of those [battles] this year and I hope that also the Red Bulls can perhaps be in that mix because that makes it more fun for the fans," Hamilton told Sky Sports.
“Also from a drivers’ point of view, it’s great when you have more people involved.”
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Hamilton is certainly not underestimating his challenger for the past two years, Sebastian Vettel, either, and the threat Ferrari will continue to pose in 2019.
“Everyone wants to take the crown,' he stated. “We have to expect that they [Ferrari] are going to take a leap and I have to expect that Sebastian is going to be stronger this year.
“So that means I’ve got to be better.
“We’ve had a couple of really great battles, particularly last year was one of my favourite years fighting with him."
