Hamilton's revved for the new season

LEWIS

- By SCOTT HUNT

Hamilton believes he is in the best place he has been for a long time and is excited by his prospects ahead of the new Formula One season.The seven-time world champion endured a difficult debut season with Ferrari, failing to secure a podium as he finished sixth in the standings.

Hamilton's end to the season was particularly challenging as he did not qualify higher than 13th in the final four races.

But the sport has undergone a major regulation change, with engines, chassis, fuel and tyres all modified.

Ferrari have started well in preseason testing, delivering impressive mileage in last week’s first Bahrain test ahead of the new campaign.

And Hamilton believes he has banished the struggles of last season and got himself into a good mindset.

"I've left everything, all of last year, behind me," Hamilton said at the second Bahrain test.