Hamilton: 'We Have to Take it to Another Level'

Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes have been lauded as favorites for the new season, by both Ferrari and Red Bull chiefs. But the Brit believes Mercedes must raise there performance another level.

Hamilton, who is looking to become only the third driver in history to win five drivers' championships, said:

"Every year we have to take it to another level, because, if you look at last year, for example, Red Bull was a second or so behind at the first race and at the last race they were right there with us. Their rate of development was a little bit steeper than everyone else's.

"I think at this point in the year, everyone is trying to hype someone up and we are the perfect target because we are the world champions. It's almost like put all the pressure onto them because it takes the weight off of us."

The 33-year-old added that despite the favorites tag put on his team, the pressure isn't just on them:

"But ultimately I think the pressure is divided among all of us. Red Bull seem to have done a great job on their car, it's got a lot more furniture on it, should be a lot quicker this weekend and they've got two great drivers.

"Then you have Ferrari who were there in the real fight last year, it was no walkover that's for sure, and this year we expect them to be on it too."

Hamilton is also unsure if his Mercedes WO9 will begin Sunday's race in Melbourne ahead of their rivals, saying:

"From what I understand, I think Red Bull and Ferrari are very close. Potentially we are either level, just behind or maybe just ahead of the Red Bulls as far as I'm aware."