Hamilton sees gap between himself and Verstappen growing: 'It was exciting in the beginning'.

Lewis Hamilton looked defeated to some after the Austrian Grand Prix. The Briton may have signed a new contract with Mercedes, but Hamilton himself realises that winning an eighth title in 2021 is going to be very difficult.

Hamilton started the 2021 Formula One season very well, winning in Bahrain, Portugal and Spain. The Briton held the lead and had the unique opportunity to benefit from a Max Verstappen blowout at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Hamilton failed to take advantage and saw Verstappen win three times afterwards.

Hamilton wants to continue

"At the beginning of this season it was so exciting, the cars were more or less equal. That was one of the most fun periods I've had in a long time in this sport, because of the duel with Red Bull. I hoped it would continue that way, but Red Bull has made great strides," the seven-time world champion said according to Motorsport.com.

"We are now engaged in an exciting duel and that has brought me closer to my team. It has brought me closer to the engineers. I like to go deeper, I like that. It has reinvigorated my love for the sport, I love the competition," said the Briton, who has therefore decided to stay with Mercedes for two more years.