Lewis Hamilton on McLaren: “McLaren deserves to be at the front”

Lewis Hamilton: “I really hope that we are battling with them”

Lewis Hamilton spent his first six Formula One seasons with McLaren F1. Together, they added 21 wins to the McLaren tally.

But, Lewis’ contract with McLaren started well before he reached the highest level of road course racing. Lewis has been a McLaren driver since his time in go karts.

Naturally, he feels an attachment to the team. Even today, Lewis admits to keeping tabs on McLaren.

Next year, McLaren will parts ways with Honda. After several years of frustrating finishes and “No power”, McLaren has singed a new contract. In 2018, they will be supplied with Renault power.

Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes

Are you hoping to see Alonso and McLaren battling at the front of the F1 field?

“I had a great battle with Fernando earlier this year,” Lewis Hamilton told reporters. “I would love to have more battles with him, on a much more level playground.”

“I think they’ve had such a difficult time. Being that I grew up with McLaren. I go through a qualifying session and I always look to see where Fernando is. I always look to see where they are.”

“There’s just a natural place in my heart for them. Because I achieved a huge amount with them.”

Fernando Alonso - F1
Fernando Alonso – F1

“So, I really hope that next year’s a successful year for them. I really hope that we are battling with them because McLaren deserves to be at the front.”

“It is a fantastic team with incredible history. I’m incrediblely proud of what Ron [Dennis] did with that team. It doesn’t matter who takes over that team, to me it will always be Ron’s team.”

Related: Ron Dennis steps down as McLaren leader

“I hope that with this new power unit, I hope they’re there with us. I hope you have another incredible World Champion up there with us, fightin’ for the championship.”

Lewis Hamilton was crowd the 2017 F1 champion.

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Lewis Hamilton | Fernando Alonso | McLaren | Mercedes | F1

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