Lewis Hamilton says he expects his Mercedes team to dominate Formula 1 for at least one more season, despite bold claims by Ferrari that they will match the German outfit in 2016.
The Briton, who secured his third championship and second with Mercedes last season, did so in dominant fashion, taking the crown four races before the season finale.
Whilst Ferrari are closing in, Hamilton believes his team can hold off their charge for at least one more year and possibly longer.
“There is at least another year of this strength we have,” he told Autosport. “Of course there is a slight unknown because the car can shift. It could dip. But we have a much, much stronger foundation in this team and that is not going to be the case.”
Meanwhile, despite his dominant season which saw him win ten races and finish off the podium just twice, Hamilton believes he can still grow as a driver.
“I don’t think you are ever performing at peak level all the time,” he added. “You have dips. I was at a peak for a long time during the year, and then I had three so-so races at the end.
“I still drove pretty well and didn’t make any mistakes. But in not being at 100 per cent, the good thing is there are improvements that can be made for next year.
“I’d like to think that each year you grow, not only as a human being, but as a sportsman.”
