Lewis Hamilton has sent out a warning to Valtteri Bottas, ahead of the new Formula 1 season by claiming his team-mate has ‘no more excuses’ after his debut season produced a mixed display of results.

In his first season with the top team in the business, Mercedes, the Finn driver managed to secure three wins on his way to a total of 305 points and finished in 3rd place in the drivers' championship - over 50 points behind Hamilton.

But the defending world champion thinks that Bottas should be in a much stronger position to compete with the likes of himself and Sebastian Vettel for the title.

“It’s difficult coming to a new team and learning new ways, new controls and now he’s gone through the whole learning process and he’s going to hit the ground running," Hamilton said, per The Independent.

"There’s no more excuses, for sure.”

Bottas certainly seemed to be settling into the seat as the season progressed and finished the season in style by taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.

Despite having to adjust to the new changes for 2018, the 28-year-old will be looking to take that form into the first race in Melbourne.

Mercedes are expected to continue their dominance as they look to secure another constructors' championship and the world champion himself recognises they is likely to be a tougher challenge this season but remains confident he can hold onto his crown.

“I don’t focus too much on anyone else and my mindset is that if I am at my best then I should have no problems,” he added. “That is how I will approach the season.

“If I prepare the best, I am the fittest I can be, I have the most energy, feel healthy, come with the right approach and work hard, I truly believe I won’t have any problems.”

For the sake of Formula 1 fans everywhere let’s hope the chasing pack are able to push Hamilton harder this season and make it a more competitive spectacle.