Lewis Hamilton ran away with the Formula 1 championship this year, and the four-time champion had the title clinched with several races remaining.
While Hamilton was dominating, his former teammate, Fernando Alonso, was struggling as he finished 15th for the year. Alonso's team at McLaren ran into issues all season, and they are changing from Honda to Renault for next season.
Hamilton said he hopes the change will help Alonso be more competitive next season because he would like to see them contend.
Related: Lewis Hamilton reveals which driver is motivating him to improve in 2018
"I had a great battle with Fernando earlier this year, towards the end of this season," Hamilton said via Motorsport. "I'd love to have more battles with him on a much more level playing ground.
"They've had such a difficult time. Given that I grew up with McLaren from 13, I go through qualifying and I always look to see where Fernando is, I always look to see where they are and am watching their progress.
"There's just a natural place in my heart for them, because I achieved a huge amount with them."
Hamilton and Alonso didn't exactly have the best relationship when they were teammates at McLaren, but it has improved in recent years. He said he hopes the new power unit from Renault will help propel the team into contention again.
Alonso hasn't won a race since 2013, and the 2017 season was especially difficult for him. As Hamilton suggested, hopefully the change from Honda to Renault will help him next year.