Hamilton: I can beat anyone

After topping the timing sheets at the end of the fourth day of Formula 1 preseason testing, Hamilton was asked by journalists what he expects of the season ahead to which he replied, "I would like a little more competition."

"The more challenges you have to overcome, the sweeter the success. You want to take your opponents on at eye level, then you can do what you have to d0. This is what distinguishes you as a racer."

Hamilton can be beaten as Nico Rosberg proved in 2016, but the German retired immediately declaring 'job well done and all' but admitted that he simply did not have it in him to go toe-to-toe with Hamilton again, a rival he has battled with from karting through to F1 for two decades.

A year in, Rosberg's replacement at the Silver Arrows is Valtteri Bottas, the Finn needs to up his game now that he is a year with the best sporting team on the planet.

Asked if he expected a tougher season against Bottas, Hamilton replied, "No, I do not think it will be any harder but that has nothing to do with Valtteri."

"I would say that about every opponent, Valtteri is certainly better prepared than a year ago, he now knows the team very well and he drove really well at the end of the season. I respect him as much as all the top drivers, but at the same time I'm also perfectly prepared."

"You have to always believe that you are the best. This is no different [for instance] with Roger Federer, when he goes to the tennis court he is inspired by the idea that he can beat his opponent. A racer also has this winner mentality."

"I know that if I do my best, then I should not have any difficulties. When I'm fit and healthy and mentally well rested then I can beat anyone. Therefore, I do not waste any thoughts on the weaknesses of my opponents. I prefer to concentrate on my own strengths," added Hamilton.