Lewis Hamilton will 'only get better' - says dad Anthony

While 2014 saw Hamilton secure the drivers' championship at the final round, last season was a more emphatic success as he secured back-to-back titles with three races remaining.

Asked by Sky Sports News at the Zoom Auction if he believes his son will repeat his 2015 performance if he gets a strong start to this season, Anthony replied: "I think he can.

"Once you've got the talent you've always got the talent, it's just how you apply it. Lewis is 31 this year so I suppose he's on the other side of his career but he's going to be applying all the ability that he's got to try and maximise his opportunities.

"He's only going to get better, he's going to get stronger. He's got another probably seven to ten years left in the sport. He's extremely competitive and he's still young, so I think he's got quite a few [titles] left in him."

With Hamilton open about his passions outside of F1, his father doesn't expect any of them to lure the triple world champion away from the sport any time soon.

"You can never say never, but I don't believe so. Lewis is a competitive soul, he loves motor racing and he loves to win. As long as he's got that spirit I think he's going to remain in Formula One. I think he's got another seven years minimum left in the business, I would say. That's bad news for everybody else!"