Hamilton looking forward to "intense" second half of the season

Lewis Hamilton is prepared for an "intense" finish to the season as he prepares to battle Sebastian Vettel for the World Championship. Usually, at this stage in the season, Mercedes have one hand on the trophy, but this year is different.

The season resumes in Belgium this weekend. With nine races left, the British driver has a 24-point lead over his German rival. But he himself knows that he can't relax with this cushion as he speaks in his teams' race preview.

“If this season has taught us one thing, it’s that there are no clear favourites for specific tracks anymore and that it’s not always the fastest car that wins," Hamilton said.

“Instead, the competitive balance seems to swing back and forth from circuit to circuit. What is clear is that our competitors are pushing extremely hard and put up a very tough fight.”

2018 has extinguished any rumours that F1 is dying out. And with the 'edge of your seat' battle running right until the end will do the sport some good. Speaking just before the summer break, Hamilton told reporters at how keen he is to get going.

“The second half is always exciting, it’s always intense, particularly when we go to the long hauls," said Hamilton.