Hamilton will start the new campaign as favourite to win a fifth world championship when the lights go green on Sunday at Melbourne Park. The 33-year-old is yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes but a deal is expected to be announced imminently. Hamilton had a difficult end to 2017 when he was embroiled in controversy on social media. But the British driver is looking forward and sent an inspiring message to his followers. Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “As I embark on my journey to Australia, I think of all those have supported me all this way, who still support me to this day.
Instagram Lewis Hamilton is on his way to Australia
I want to acknowledge you and thank you Lewis Hamilton
“I want to acknowledge you and thank you. Who is to know what 2018 has in store for us. “What I do know is that this is our time and it’s up to us to make something of it. “Set your goal and don’t let anything stand in your way.” Hamilton’s competition is likely to come from the likes of team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. And his ex-team-mate Nico Rosberg believes his rivals need to take advantage of Hamilton’s inconsistency if they want to beat him.
Instagram Lewis Hamilton's post on Instagram