Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel are already thinking about next season, as they both try to get their hands on a fifth Formula One driver championship.
The last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi will be played without pressure, as Hamilton had already won the 2017 title two weeks ago in Mexico.
“Whatever weakness Sebastian has had, he’s going to work on it in the winter. No one is perfect and I’m also going to have to work for next year,” Hamilton said during a press conference on Thursday.
“Ferrari had a great season. They led for half of campaign. It was not due to luck. Red Bull will also be in the race next season.” he added.
With two top-flight champions on the grid and probably as top favorites for the title of the seaosn, Formula One can see a historic mark matched in the next season, whether Hamilton or Vettel to the championship next year will draw in number of achievements with legend Argentine Manuel Fangio as the second highest winner of the category, behind only Michael Schumacher, who has seven titles.
“It was the most dangerous period in history in motor sport. I feel honoured to be so close to such a fantastic sports icon,” Hamilton reacted to Fangio.
“He should be more celebrated for his success. It is not mentioned on a large scale. He’s a kind of sports godfather to the drivers.” he added.
Lewis Hamilton won the 2017 Formula One championship in a dramatic style as he battled back in Mexican GP. (Source:www.dw.com)
Fangio won five Formula One titles in the 1950s, four in a row with the trophies lifted in 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956 adn 1957, he became the first great star of the category and, for that reason Vettel considered impossible to equal the Argentine icon.
“Certainly, we will never match him by how victorious he has been in such a short period of time. At that time, flying was different.” Vettel said.
“The cars were not so reliable and he still managed to succeed, he was the best we have ever had in terms of quality and skill.
“The last step is always the hardest, but the team is ready and excited. We’ve taken a big step already, but we get lost during the season. The end was not good enough,” Vettel added.
