Lewis Hamilton says his motivation to win the championship has doubled this season and insists his level of self-discipline is higher than ever before.
The Mercedes driver lost out on the championship to teammate Nico Rosberg last year and this season looks set to go up against Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel in a battle for the title. Speaking after he lost the opening round of the season to Vettel, Hamilton said he would return to his Monaco home between races to ensure he is fully rested ahead of the next round in China.
"I had a fantastic fight the last few years and obviously last year was the closest that I had," he said. "I want to win the world championship more than ever before, and while that hunger last year you would think the hunger could not be anymore, it has frickin' doubled.
"I am going home after this, usually I stay out in Asia and train in the hot weather [after Australia]. I'm going to get my head down, rest and make sure I come back fighting for the next race. I believe I can win and I want to win for the team and the fans."
Hamilton has been criticised for his jet-set lifestyle in the past, but he insists his travelling does not impact his fitness.
"I have been touring. I have been out enjoying myself. This is what I always do. I think people judge off things they see and if you look at previous years I arrived at the first race just as fit. I was pole position the last four years here [in Australia]. I always arrive fit and ready so none of those I do are a distraction and I have done just as much this year. I have got a job to make sure I am fit, the fitness levels are even higher than before. So for sure I have applied myself better.
"When I went to Asia [after Australia] before, I trained. The only difference is now I am deciding to be home. Definitely my discipline has gone up in terms of my training and how specific I am with my diet. Sleep all of these different things. Every year you try to improve but I would say I have taken a good step this year.
"For example, I trained myself this year. That was a challenge I set myself, can you have the motivation to do it yourself and get yourself ready and turn up? I have and I am going to continue to work because there is going to be some really tough races this year."