Lewis Hamilton predicts ‘awesome’ Max Verstappen will be a true rival for the Formula 1 title next season

The five-time champion Brit is confident that the prodigious Dutchman will be among the biggest threats to his crown

Lewis Hamilton is relishing the challenge of defending his Formula 1 world title next season against rising star Max Verstappen.

Mercedes driver Hamilton clinched his fifth drivers' championship during last month's Mexican Grand Prix.

Verstappen, the prodigious Dutchman, has won two races this year and was cruising towards another in Brazil on Sunday before a crash with Esteban Ocon ruined his hopes.

Verstappen has established himself as a rising star in the world of F1 (Getty)

Hamilton, who took victory in Sao Paulo, has been impressed with Verstappen this year and expects the 21-year-old and his Red Bull team to provide serious competition in 2019.

"This year they've been incredibly strong and I can only imagine next year, they're going to be even stronger," Hamilton told Sky Sports.

"I think for the sport it will be great if Red Bull are more in the battle with Ferrari and Mercedes and we welcome any more teams.

"Max is driving really well this year. He's such an awesome, young talent. I'm looking forward to many races with him.

"At the weekend in Brazil, we had the engine problems so I didn't feel I was really able to fight with him on track but I'm looking forward to the day that happens."