Hamilton wants to see multiple race winners in 2018

Lewis Hamilton has surprisingly claimed that he wants to see multiple Grand Prix winners in the 2018 Formula One season as it would be "good for the sport" and has recognised Red Bull as perhaps the biggest challenger for Mercedes in the constructor's championship.

Mercedes are going for their fifth title in a row, while Hamilton is aiming to become only the third driver in history to win at least five driver's world championships alongside Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio.

There is no doubting that the Silver Arrows are enjoying a period of dominance, but Hamilton is hoping for a more spread list of winners in 2018 as it provides a better spectacle for the fans.

“The ultimate goal is that we hopefully have more teams fighting for the championship,” Hamilton said when asked by journalists if he was looking forward to potential increased competition this season.

“I think there was one year where had six different winners in the first six races, or whatever it was. That’s only good for the sport.

“The more competition there is, the more fun it is to watch. I like you have grown up watching the sport, being a fan of it and seeing it when it’s been a one team championship and seeing it when there’s been a couple fighting so I am really hopeful.”

Out of the potential challengers for Mercedes, Hamilton mentioned Red Bull as arguably the main challenger.

“I think Red Bull could be a real challenge this year," Hamilton continued.

"Their car looks great and I haven’t seen anything from what Ferrari have been doing, but for sure they’ll be good. It’s going to be exciting.”

Last season, Hamilton's main rival for the majority of the campaign was Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. The duo even clashed mid-race in Baku which led to Vettel receiving a fine, but Hamilton has denied that he likes to play mind games against rivals.

“I don’t play anybody. I go out there to win. I don’t feel like I have to play on any individual's strengths and weaknesses. I just have to go out there to grow and be as strong as I can be.

“I truly believe if I am living to my own capacity then hopefully I should be a strong contender. I am really hoping these guys, I am sure they’re on it, I can’t wait for the first race to see where we all come out.

“I hope we are super close and it’s all down to within a tenth of a second, and it all comes to down to perfecting laps. I think then people are on the edge of their seats.”