Lewis Hamilton hopes his brief fight with Max Verstappen in Brazil was a precursor to more battles in 2019.
The Dutchman was the fastest driver on Sunday at Interlagos and used his better tyre life and therefore strategy to overhaul the Mercedes driver who also had his own issues.
Of course, the clash with Esteban Ocon then put pay to Verstappen's chances as it allowed Hamilton back through, but the world champion believes a competitive Red Bull would be good everyone in Formula 1.
“This year they’ve been incredibly strong and I can only imagine next year, they’re going to be even stronger,” Lewis told Sky Sports.
“I think for the sport it will be great if Red Bull are more in the battle with Ferrari and Mercedes and we welcome any more teams.
“Max is driving really well this year. He’s such an awesome, young talent. I’m looking forward to many races with him.
“At the weekend in Brazil, we had the engine problems so I didn’t feel I was really able to fight with him on track but I’m looking forward to the day that happens.”
Also Read:
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Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff echoed his driver's claims and hopes Verstappen learns from the events of Sao Paulo.
“In a few years’ time he may look back at these images and wonder whether this was the right behaviour, but you cannot rush this, because this is a learning process," the Austrian said.
“You see that Max is a future champion, he is incredibly talented and has speed, and when the raw edges are off, he is one day a world champion.”
