Lewis Hamilton targets 'fast as an arrow' F1 rival as Max Verstappen makes race 'skip' decision

Bullish Lewis Hamilton believes he will have to "improve absolutely every area" to beat a gifted F1 rival this season.

The Brit joined Ferrari in January after 12 years with Mercedes. The seven-time champion is preparing for the new Formula One season as Max Verstappen gets set to defend his title. F1 starts three days of testing in Bahrain on Wednesday, February 26 with a new crop of cars and drivers.

But 40-year-old Hamilton has already cast an eye on the rival he is looking to lock horns with the most. And it is much closer to home - Ferrari partner beat Charles Leclerc.

"It won’t be easy to beat him, especially here in his home," said the Brit. "He’s established in the team and feels extremely comfortable here. When he jumps into the car, he’s immediately on top of it. He is as fast as an arrow and I’m fully aware of that. I have to improve absolutely every area of myself.

"It’s not just about simply adapting. Fitness, time management, working with the engineers, how much time I spend in the factory. I’ve already started doing that and I’m going to continue with it."

Verstappen, meanwhile, has insisted he has no intention of missing any F1 races to witness the birth of his first child. The Dutchman’s partner Kelly Piquet is due to give birth soon. Speaking to Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad, he said: “It's possible [that I could miss a race], but I won't do it. This is just part of being a Formula One driver. If it happens, it happens. I can't do anything about it.

“Unfortunately, Formula One drivers don't get any free time, but at the same time, I'm not the one who gives birth. Anything is possible, but in Formula 1 that doesn't exist. You can't take two months off. Or I have to be suspended because I have too