Hamilton only interested in toppling...seven-time champion Hamilton!

Lewis Hamilton has claimed he is focused only on beating the version of himself that won a record-equalling seventh F1 title last year rather than toppling Max Verstappen.

Hamilton is on the back foot in the drivers' championship race after falling four points behind Verstappen in recent weeks.

But in an interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Hamilton has explained the Dutchman is not who he measures himself against.

Assessing his excitement for the current season, Hamilton said: “I don't think it's because of Max or anyone else.

"The reason is that every day I discover new things about myself. With the pandemic lockdowns, I have had more time to refine my talent, body and mind. I always compete against myself.

"I think about how to fight, I look at how I was last year and how to overcome a seven-time world champion."

Hamilton singles out Sainz for a "bright future"

Commenting that he hoped not to be racing into his 40s like Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, the 36-year-old turned his attention to the younger generation of drivers.

Although referencing Lando Norris, George Russell and Charles Leclerc, he singled out Carlos Sainz for a particularly strong future.

"Carlos above all," remarked Hamilton. "He has just arrived at Ferrari and he is driving very well, [and] with Leclerc he forms a very strong duo.

"F1 is in good hands, I predict a bright future.”

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