Not Vettel, this Driver is Hamilton’s Biggest Rival

Through the course of his career, Lewis Hamilton has had many rivals. Earlier it was Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa that challenged him thoroughly. Later Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel were also added in the picture. After he moved to Mercedes, it has either been Nico Rosberg or since 2017, Sebastin Vettel.

He is currently locked in a frantic battle with the Ferraris, and especially with Sebastian Vettel . While he won the battle against Vettel in 2017, things won’t be so easy for him this year, with the Ferrari clearly the dominant car.

But its not Sebastian Vettel, nor Nico Rosberg who he considers as his biggest rival.

“I would say Fernando is one of the toughest that I have ever faced,” Hamilton said.

“I would say the battle with Nico was difficult but for different reasons.

“Every one has had their own challenges and they are all different in their own rights.”

The 33-year old took the top honours at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend, his first victory of the season.

He was asked what it is like challenging fellow 4-time champion Vettel. The German is also hunting for his fifth world championship this season.

“I don’t arrive thinking I’m a four-time world champion,” he added.

“You reset every year and your goals and aspirations are changing.

“It’s kind of cool but he has got a bloody good car and it is going to take every ounce out of me to try and win.

“We are going to have intense battle but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The better he is the harder I have to work and it makes it all the more satisfying when I win.”

Alonso’s current ride may not be on par with the Mercedes, but that does not take away his status as Hamilton’s biggest rival.