Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is wary of the threat Ferrari possesses this season after their win at Melbourne on Sunday.

“It is going to be a close race. I truly believe we can beat them,” said Hamilton. “It’s great to see Ferrari there. It’s good we had this close battle. I’m looking forward to the next.”

He added, “It’s going to be a big challenge and we have to work really hard if we want to beat Ferrari. They were quicker today so we need to improve plenty of things.”

The 32-year-old finished second at the race after losing the lead, following pressure from Sebastian Vettel’s superior pace.

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“I didn’t know how quick they would be in the race but their pace from testing was true and their first stint on the ultrasofts was fantastic. My real strength wasn’t until right at the end by which time it was far too late. We’ve got a race on our hands,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton led from pole position but struggled and owing to a an early pit stop and being held up by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Vettel got the lead.

“I wouldn’t say I’m happy,” said Hamilton. “But all things in perspective, to see where we have come from, with massive rule changes and to come here and be battling so close for a win and missing out marginally, there are a lot of things to be proud of. We could have won the race but I gave it everything I could and you can’t do more. Take the strength of the weekend.”

With Vettel winning the first race of the season, Hamilton knows he has to work hard if he has to beat the German. “This year we have the best drivers at the front,” said Hamilton. “Of course it would be great to have Fernando [Alonso of McLaren] up there but it doesn’t look like it is going to happen any time soon. But Sebastian has four titles and he will continue for many years to come. I am really grateful to have that fight with him. It’s great.”