F1's new rivalry: Defeat to Vettel fuels Lewis Hamilton's desire to regain the world crown

A determined Lewis Hamilton says he wants to win the world title more than ever before and claims his hunger has doubled as he prepares for a battle royale with Sebastian Vettel.
New rivalry? Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany, right, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain spray champagne at each other following the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)New rivalry? Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany, right, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain spray champagne at each other following the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
New rivalry? Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany, right, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain spray champagne at each other following the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

The Mercedes driver was put on the back foot after he failed to match Vettel and his resurgent Ferrari team in Australia as the ‘Prancing Horse’ delivered on their pre-season potential by taking the chequered flag on Sunday.

It means three-time world champion Hamilton is facing a new challenge following Ferrari’s return to form and the departure of long-running rival and former childhood friend Nico Rosberg, who headed for retirement after winning last year’s title.

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But the 32-year-old Briton appears to be revelling in both dynamics – the tension-free atmosphere at Mercedes following the arrival of Valtteri Bottas, and the task of what he described as the “best versus the best” in reference to Vettel.

It is not a tagline Hamilton would have used for the past three seasons in which his sole competitor was Rosberg, the champion who watched events from Melbourne unfold at home in Monte Carlo.

“I had a fantastic fight the last few years and obviously last year was the closest that I had,” said Hamilton, who lost out on the title to Rosberg despite winning a greater number of grands prix than his Mercedes team-mate.

“But I want to win the world championship more than ever before, and while you would think that the hunger could not be any more, it has ‘frickin’ doubled.

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“I am going home after this – usually I stay out in Asia and train in the hot weather – but I will get my head down, rest and make sure I come back fighting for the next race in China. I believe I can win and I want to win for the team and the fans.”

Hamilton’s show-business lifestyle and interests outside of the sport have naturally led to question marks over his focus, drive and long-term commitment to Formula 1.

The Englishman is in his 11th season in the sport and he has repeatedly said he will not outstay his welcome. But Hamilton, who boarded a flight back from Melbourne to his residence in Monte Carlo, insists his motivation is at an all-time high. “My discipline has definitely gone up in terms of my training and how specific I am with my diet, sleep, and all of these different things.

“Every year you try to improve but I would say I have taken a good step this year. For example, I trained myself this year.

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“That was a challenge I set myself. Can you have the motivation to do it yourself and get yourself ready and turn up? I have and I am going to continue to work because there is going to be some really tough races this year.”

While Ferrari are back on top of their game, the same cannot be said for McLaren. Fernando Alonso and team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne failed to finish in Melbourne, and while the former was on course for a point before his suspension packed up in the closing stages, he believes they are currently the worst team.