Hamilton frustrated by lack of a fight as he closes in on Schumacher record

Lewis Hamilton has been left dismayed by the fact this year's Formula 1 world title fight is far from the close battle he had hoped for.

Notwithstanding the drama that unfolded in the closing laps of Sunday's British Grand Prix, with Hamilton limping over the line in his Mercedes on three wheels following his tyre failure on the last lap, the signs are ominous.

Following a run of three straight victories, and Mercedes' pace advantage over its rivals, in his quest to match Michael Schumacher's record haul of seven F1 titles, Hamilton already has a 30-point lead over team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who finished outside of the points on Sunday following his own Pirelli failure.

Hamilton is demanding a more stirring battle with the likes of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after they finished second and third at Silverstone.

"I’m a through and through racer at heart," said Hamilton. "I’ve grown up, particularly when you’re in karting, you’ve got the wheel-to-wheel racing. That’s what has always excited me, and that’s what gets me up in the morning

“This is not the championship fight I would have hoped for. I’d much, much prefer to be having a super-close battle with Max and Charles because that is what gets me going.

“I’m still putting in the laps that are required but it’s not a close battle with Max in qualifying and it is the same with Charles. I really, really hope that in future it’s closer."

Whilst Mercedes cannot be blamed for their continued excellence, it is up to the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull to rise and meet such standards.

Recognising the current rules play a part, but which change considerably from 2022 when it is hoped Hamilton is given the battle he craves, he added: "It's the rules.

“Ultimately every team is given the rules and at the end of the day we’ve just done an exceptional job collectively, and you can’t fault my team for that.

“You have to look at the people that run the sport to do a better job moving forwards, and I think they’re showing some signs.

"I think Ross [Brawn, F1 managing director, motorsports] is showing us a car for the future that’s going to have us all closer.

"Hopefully, it’s not as slow as a GP2 car, and then hopefully we’ll get some more karting-like races in the future."

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