MARCH 28, 2019

Hamilton wants to fight

Lewis Hamilton wants to fight. More specifically, the five-time world champion wants a closer fight between the big three teams in Bahrain this weekend.

By Dan Knutson in Bahrain

Lewis Hamilton wants to fight. More specifically, the five-time world champion wants a closer fight between the big three teams in Bahrain this weekend.

Hamilton ran second in his damaged Mercedes in the season opening Australian Grand Prix, and he was unable to challenge his teammate Valtteri Bottas for the win.

Meanwhile, Red Bull and Ferrari were not able to challenge Mercedes, although Max Verstappen did get his Red Bull close enough to have a sniff at second place before ending up on the final place on the podium.

Hamilton hopes the situation changes in Bahrain.

"They (Ferrari and Red Bull) were both really strong here last year," he told reporters in Bahrain's Sakhir circuit paddock. "Red Bull look like they're really stepping it up. I'm really hoping it's closer this weekend."

"I know some people think we were sandbagging or whatever in testing," he added, "but, honestly, we came into the first race thinking it would be a lot closer than that. And from the information I had we were behind. Coming into this weekend we had the pleasant surprise of being faster in the last race, but it could absolutely change here. Maybe the tires weren't working for (Ferrari or Red Bull) or something in the last race, maybe it will work here.

"So I'm just as excited as you are to see how that pans out. Without doubt the Red Bulls have a much better power unit this year. Their engine performance is very, very close – I think it's within 10 horsepower or something within the top cars. If you look at their GPS speed on the straights they are pretty much just as quick as us in some places. That's a great start for them and I just really hope the reliability is good for them so they can stay in the fight."