F1: Lewis Hamilton promises ‘there’s still more to come’ in 2016

'I know that the guys and girls at the factory will keep pushing for more top results,' says Lewis Hamilton ahead of the new F1 season, 'so it's up to us drivers to go out there and nail it'.

British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Merceds attends a press conference ahead of the new season on Friday. Marijan Murat / EPA / March 11, 2016

Lewis Hamilton has warned his rivals that he still has much more to offer as he prepares to defend his Formula One crown.

Hamilton, 31, is bidding to become the first British driver to win four championships when the season starts in Melbourne on Sunday.

And he will head into the curtain-raiser as the title favourite with Mercedes-GP's dominance, in which they have won 32 of the previous 38 races, showing no signs of abating.

“I know that the guys and girls at the factory will keep pushing for more top results, so it’s up to us drivers to go out there and nail it for them on track,” Hamilton said.

“People keep asking me about motivation – but I just have to look at the faces of all those people to know what I’m fighting for.

“I know there’s still more to come from me – I think I’ve shown that in the past two years. There certainly needs to be some extra in my tank, as the competition will be stronger than ever this year.”

While Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg is expected to provide the sternest examination of the Briton's title credentials, Ferrari, led by Sebastian Vettel, are also tipped to improve on last year's encouraging campaign.

But Hamilton believes the biggest challenge in 2016 could come by way of the clampdown on information relayed to the driver from the pit wall.

“The changes to the radio rules will have a big impact,” Hamilton added. “The engineers now can’t give you prompts or reminders that might affect performance during the race, so you have to remember so much more.

“This even applies to strategy, so when it’s shifting throughout the race you won’t be in the loop. It will be tough - but hopefully it will make for more exciting races.”

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