Hamilton on near future: 'Know what I want in next year's car'

Lewis Hamilton is having an excellent season after a difficult start. The Briton has taken the podium each of the last four races and has done himself a great favour. However, a world championship seems to be out of reach and so, behind the scenes, Mercedes is focusing more and more on next season.

Mercedes' second place in the Constructors' Championship seems to be all they can hope for. The difference with Ferrari is still bridgeable with 44 points, but Red Bull Racing managed to increase the gap to 126 points.

"We are still learning a lot from this car," he told AS.com. "We are working on it in the factory. I know exactly what I want in next year's car and we have already discussed that. In the coming months we will focus on that."

Hamilton also looked ahead to next season on several occasions last weekend. The seven-time world champion, who still has a contract until the end of 2023, does not seem to be thinking about leaving the race. Team boss Toto Wolff revealed in France that he is even looking forward to working with Hamilton beyond next season.