F1: Hamilton keen for multi-team fight

World champion Lewis Hamilton would prefer having drivers from multiple teams fighting for the title, because it is "more exciting" for Formula 1 fans than an exclusive fight between teammates.

Hamilton, who has claimed F1 crowns in 2008 and 2014, says beating drivers from rival outfit Ferrari, along with his own McLaren teammate, in 2008 gave him greater satisfaction than the exclusive battle he enjoyed with Nico Rosberg last year.

"I think it's more exciting when you're battling another team, and growing up watching Formula 1 I think it was more exciting seeing two teams fight each other," Hamilton admitted. "Having competition within a team is still exciting, but it's different when you're competing against other teams – it's better to beat the one in the team and beat another team.

"In 2008, it was quite neat because the Ferrari was exceptional on faster circuits: places like Silverstone, circuits with more high-speed corners, but on the medium to low speed circuits we [McLaren] were always better than them. Trying to minimize the loss in those races when they were faster – I enjoyed that battle. Plus I wanted to beat the guy in the car next to me. When you do both it's two for the price of one."

Hamilton said that the intense duel with Rosberg at Mercedes last season had pushed him to greater lengths than his 2008 battle with Ferrari's Felipe Massa, however.

When asked whether Rosberg or Massa had made him work harder for his title success, Hamilton replied: "Most likely Nico, because he's in the same car as me. We're constantly bettering our times and bettering the car."

Originally on Autosport.com