The father of the three-time world champion and Mercedes driver issued the warning to Hamilton’s new team mate Valtteri Bottas, adding that the Finn will be dealing with a man currently at the top of his game.

“Anybody who goes up against Lewis needs to have planned their career correctly because it could be a career-ending move when you go up against Lewis,” Hamilton Snr told Sky Sports News HQ.

“I personally think, while he’s getting older and more mature, he’s still actually heading towards the prime of his career. So Lewis is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.”

Anthony Hamilton insisted that after losing last year’s title to team mate Nico Rosberg, his son’s motivation is as strong as ever.

“Lewis only ever thinks about winning,” he said.

“He’s happy for Nico, like we all are to be quite honest. We’ve known him a long time and Nico has really worked hard.

“You need a little bit of luck along the way, and he’s had that, but I think Lewis is just looking forward now to winning the championship back on his own merit.”