Hamilton: ‘I need to improve’

World champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he needs to lift his level this year if he is to hold off Nico Rosberg this season.

The Englishman romped to the title last season, but Rosberg won the final three races of the year to send a strong message to his team-mate.

Hamilton denies he was coasting towards the end of the season, but expects to be at his best when 2016 starts next month.

"I did not do the bare minimum, but I did what I needed to do to finish the year," he said.

"I didn't do what I had to do to win the championship because I already had won the championship.

“If you fight for the championship you have to bring that extra five or ten per cent - after I had bagged the title I didn't need that anymore. I used my energy elsewhere.

“But now my sole focus is again on winning the title - but Nico also has grown, so I have to accept that he is exceptionally fast and so I also have to lift my bar again.

“I don't know how - but that is my goal."

The season starts on Australia on March 20.

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: