Lewis Hamilton readily accepts this season represents his best chance of becoming a two-time Formula One world champion.

After retiring early in the season-opening grand prix in Australia, three successive victories for the first time in his F1 career have catapulted Hamilton into the title picture.

Despite such a run of success, Hamilton still trails Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by four points after the German’s win Down Under and trio of runner-up finishes to the Briton.

No team in F1 history that has won the opening four races has then not had one of their drivers go on to be crowned champion.

With just the 2008 title to his name, Hamilton said: “At this point it is evident I’ve never been in a car that’s ahead of the pack like it is and I’ve never had a team that’s so together and so united.”