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PARIS. — Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel start the Formula One season in Australia on March 25 within touching distance of further greatness.

A fifth world title would move one of the drivers level with Juan Manuel Fangio and second only to Michael Schumacher’s seven.

Hamilton and Vettel share 109 wins (Hamilton 62, Vettel 47), 216 podiums (117-99) and 122 pole positions (72-50).

Hamilton got his first title 10 years ago before Vettel won four straight from 2010-13.

But Hamilton has dominated since joining Mercedes. Last year’s title was the British driver’s third in four seasons to level at 4-4 with his Ferrari rival.

Next Sunday’s season-opening Australian GP will be Vettel’s 200th race, and fittingly the German is seeking his 100th F1 podium. Hamilton, meanwhile, seeks a record-extending 73rd pole and a 63rd GP win.

Matching Fangio, the daring Argentine who won his titles in the 1950s when driving circumstances were extremely challenging, will make one of them truly stand out.

“(He was) the best we’ve ever had in terms of putting it all together,” Vettel said of Fangio, while Hamilton described him as “the godfather of the sport” driving in “the most dangerous period of time.”

F1 is far more safety-conscious these days, and risk-taking on track has greatly diminished. Still, this did not stop Vettel and Hamilton clashing last season. Gaining any sort of psychological advantage can prove important, considering they are hugely successful in their own right.

The 33-year-old Hamilton has the edge with 47 wins and 50 poles but is three years older than his rival.

“It gets harder and I love that challenge. I love that I’m faced with this huge mountain to climb again,” Hamilton said.

“I’ve got to work harder than I’ve done before. Physically I’m stronger, I’ve put on muscle. I feel very strong mentally.”

Although Hamilton has yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes, fuelling talk he could walk away from F1 to pursue other interests at the end of the season, his hunger is still evident. Only Schumacher has more wins with 91. — AFP