F1 yearning for contenders to put the heat on Lewis Hamilton | Giles Richards


Max Verstappen looks the closest rival as the British driver claims to be ‘ready for the challenge’ of the new season

Formula One fires up in anger for the first time this year in Melbourne on Friday but there will still be few givens for the forthcoming season. Yet of one central player in the forthcoming drama there can be absolute certitude. Lewis Hamilton enters his 14th year in F1 motivated, focused and in the form of his career.

Extraordinary records are within Hamilton’s grasp and his determination to prove himself the best is beyond doubt. Yet what he and every fan wants is a real fight. F1 needs it and, if the British driver is to match Michael Schumacher’s achievements, how much sweeter would it be to do so after a blow-for-blow battle.

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