F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton expecting 'gun blazing' response from Vettel in 2018

Lewis Hamilton is expecting a massive response from Sebastian Vettel in 2018 after the German's botched title challenge left his rival with a few hard lessons.

The Ferrari driver was in for a real chance this year to break Mercedes' three-year hegemony and inflict defeat upon Hamilton, but multiple errors and reliability issues during a 'meltdown' Asian leg crushed Vettel's hopes.

Hamilton, who clinched the title with two races to go, believes his opponent will take what he learned from his season and return to the fray an even stronger force to be reckoned with.

"I'm not going to tell you what I've learned but you can see it and I think you guys have learned about him," Hamilton said.

"He shouldn't shy away from that. He will learn from the experiences, as we all do.

"I have had years like that. He has had years of complete solidity like [mine] this year as well.

"I imagine next year he's going to be coming back guns blazing, but I don't feel there's anything I can't achieve if I put the work in."

The four-time world champion's approach next year will be once again to keep on pushing without conceding an inch while also taking advantage of his challengers' slightest weakneses.

"Pressure points, weak points - you just keep your foot down, keep the pressure on and when the other shows no sign of weakness that's definitely difficult," Hamilton added.

"Look at [tennis stars Roger] Federer and [Rafael] Nadal, at some point in the game one will see a slight weakness in the other - even if just half a percent.

"That's what they try to capitalise on and which makes the difference, and that's really how it has been this year."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

58 mins ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

16 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

17 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

19 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

20 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

22 hours ago