I want Alonso to challenge me in 2018 - Hamilton

F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is desperate for his former team-mate Fernando Alonso to put together a sustained championship challenge in 2018, with the Spaniard's team McLaren deciding to make a key engine switch from Honda to Renault for the upcoming campaign.

Alonso's drives this season have outperformed the relative ability of his McLaren chassis but he was still well off the title pace, with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull all currently well ahead of any other constructors.

But rather than being content that such a talented driver in Alonso is forced down the grid by circumstances, Hamilton has claimed that he would rather take on the two-time champion head on.

The pair enjoyed a position battle in the Mexico Grand Prix due to Hamilton finding himself further down the field, and the Brit wants more confrontations next year.

He said: "I had a great battle with Fernando earlier this year, towards the end of this season.

"I'd love to have more battles with him on a much more level playing ground. They've had such a difficult time. Given that I grew up with McLaren from 13, I go through qualifying and I always look to see where Fernando is, I always look to see where they are and am watching their progress.

"There's just a natural place in my heart for them, because I achieved a huge amount with them.

"I really, really hope next year is a successful year for them, I really hope we are battling with them because McLaren deserve to be at the front.

"I hope with this new power unit they're there with us. I hope we have another incredible world champion up there with us fighting for the world championship."

Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis left the team to take up a central role with Liberty Media, and although he is no longer involved with the team, Hamilton will always associate the two together.

He added: "It's a fantastic team with incredible history. I'm incredibly proud of what Ron did with that team.

"It doesn't matter who takes over, for me it's always Ron's team."