Motorsport: Even Hamilton wants some competition

Lewis Hamilton during day two of Formula One winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya. Photo / Getty Images

Even Lewis Hamilton doesn't want to see more glorified Mercedes processions in the fresh Formula One season.

Hamilton's Mercedes have dominated the sport in the past three years.

But the Englishman hopes for something different when the new season starts with practice sessions at the Australian grand prix in Melbourne on Friday.

"Having more teams and having more drivers up at the front fighting for wins, that is what racing is all about," Hamilton said.

"So I'm hoping that is the case."

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo appear best-placed to challenge the Mercedes era.

And Australian Ricciardo believes the end of the era would benefit his sport.

"It's like when Red Bull were dominating a few years ago," he said, referring to the team's four consecutive constructors' championships from 2010.