Lewis Hamilton "hopes it gets closer" after the summer break

Lewis Hamilton is hoping that Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc find their speed over the summer break so that they can challenge him for the title. The Mercedes driver is hoping that things are closer in the second half of the season and that he actually has some competition. 

“We’ve seen a big step with Red Bull. They’ve really taken a leap forward with their [Honda] power unit this year and it’s pretty great to see,” he said to the official F1 website. “They’re going to go from strength to strength and Max is naturally just... he’s not a youngster necessarily in the sport anymore. While he’s young, he’s been here for a few years.”

“Charles is only in his second season, so he’s grown and I can only see him getting stronger and we’re already seeing some great performances from him this season and that one is definitely one to watch out for."

Hamilton can see the pace that these young drivers have and is hoping for opportunities to race them and prove that he is faster. 

"I hope it’s close, and I hope it gets closer."

Hamilton will want the championship to get closer so that history will remember him as a great driver, not just somebody who lucked out by having the fastest car.