Hamilton: Piquet could return to F1

The Brazilian has targeted a return to the grid next year, and Hamilton, who beat the 24-year-old to the F1 support series crown in 2006, thinks that he could still realise his potential.

"He's a good driver and he's had a great career, so who knows," said Hamilton during a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Phone-In this morning.

"For sure, there are opportunities for him in the future and I can only wish him the best."

Hamilton added that, although he cannot understand how Piquet feels after his involvement in the controversy, he expects the former Renault driver to bounce back.

"Not really because I've never gone through what he's going through," said Hamilton when asked if he could comprehend how Piquet feels.

"But he's still very young, he's experienced and he'll take it in his stride."

Hamilton also said that he will continue to push 100 per cent for victory despite losing a certain third place by crashing on the last lap of the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month when pressuring Jenson Button.

"It's just part of my character and the way I am," said Hamilton. "Always, in whatever I've done, especially when it's competing, I've had something inside me that I want to win that keeps me going.

"We can't win the world championship, we can only win races, get pole positions and fastest laps now for the rest of the season. Even if you don't win and still know that you gave it your all, it's such a great feeling.

"That's what keeps me going. I don't have any days where I don't want to push."