Lewis Hamilton says he hopes Red Bull can join the lead battle with Mercedes and Ferrari in the 2017 Formula 1 season.
The British driver took victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, drawing level on points in the drivers’ standings with Australian Grand Prix race winner Sebastian Vettel.
Mercedes and Ferrari looked evenly matched in Shanghai, with Red Bull a little way further back – despite Max Verstappen charging to third place from 16th on the grid.
Hamilton is hopeful Red Bull can join Mercedes and Ferrari at the front of the field and form a three-way battle for the championship.
“It’s good to have a younger person around and yeah, Max has obviously done a fantastic job since he’s been in the sport,” he said when asked about Verstappen.
“I think he’s been a real breath of fresh air for everyone so obviously he’s got a great following and he’s definitely been in some great situations in some races.
“He’s really maximised above and beyond in those, which is why he gets driver of the day.”
He added: “Honestly, I hope that Red Bull can improve through the season because I think a third element in the fight, I think would be even more exciting.”
Verstappen admitted Red Bull are a little lonely in third place, with the two rivals too far ahead and the rest of the back some distance off behind.
“On true pace, both Ferrari and Mercedes should be ahead with both of their drivers so we still need to work very hard to catch up,” he explained.
“I think at the moment we’re a bit in a lonely competition because in front of us they are too quick and behind us they are too slow.
“We are working really hard and trying to close the gap but it’s not that easy. But we’ll keep pushing hard.”
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