Newly-crowned World Champion Lewis Hamilton says he hopes former team-mate Fernando Alonso can fight higher up the grid in 2018, following their battle at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Hamilton, having been delayed by a first-lap clash with title rival Sebastian Vettel, made his way up the order, and capped his recovery to ninth via a tussle with Alonso in the closing stages.
Hamilton eventually sealed the overtake on Alonso around the outside of Turn 4, before holding the inside line for Turn 5, and ensuring his rival was unable to counter on the short burst to Turn 6.
Alonso has not claimed a victory in Formula 1 since 2013, having been lumbered with uncompetitive machinery in the V6 turbo era, firstly with Ferrari and most prominently with McLaren-Honda, amid the Japanese marque's ongoing problems.
McLaren will switch to using Renault power units next year and is confident of making gains, with the French manufacturer having taken three wins this season, courtesy of customer Red Bull.
Hamilton is hopeful that he can embark on more battles with Alonso in 2018.
“I've enjoyed racing against Sebastian and to race against a four-time World Champion,” he said.
“To have the battle with Fernando, I was like 'this is one tough mofo'.
“Back and forth, back and forth, I'm like… Formula 1, just wait 'til this guy gets a good engine, because the car was great through other sections.
“I really hope for McLaren, who I've already said has a special place in my heart, I really hope next year is a better year for them.
“I hope they have a stronger engine a stronger car, and Fernando's a tough bugger – a tough cookie, I prefer that word – and I enjoyed the little battle I had with him.
“I hope we get to have many more like that.”
