Lewis Hamilton is hoping Ferrari will challenge Mercedes more often next season for the good of Formula One.

Hamilton is on the brink of his second consecutive title with Mercedes this year, which has been the team to beat since the introduction of new engine regulations last year. Ferrari has closed the gap this season, but has only once beaten Mercedes for pure pace in qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton says he wants Ferrari to become a competitive force to add some excitement in the sport and sees Sebastian Vettel, who is now second in the standings this year, as a real threat.

""Well Sebastian is always going to be one of the strongest opponents and it depends how you look at it," Vettel said. "From another team he's definitely going to be the strongest opponent but Nico [Rosberg] will come strong next year for sure, as he will at the next race and as he was already in Russia.

"So I anticipate Nico will continue to push, but of course I hope we do have a race with the Ferraris, I think it would be good for the sport. Hopefully with us being in front but still a good race."

Hamilton, who has a contract with Mercedes for another three years, said he is determined to keep delivering championships for the team.

"I definitely feel like I have solidified my spot here in the team in terms of delivering what they expected of me, I hope. I will try and continue to do that. They are delivering so I have got to make sure I deliver and I feel like I have been."