The Briton secured his second title last year after taking 11 victories as the German squad proved to be a step ahead of its rivals all season long.

Winter testing suggests Mercedes is set to continue to be the team to beat.

Hamilton admits last season was probably his best yet, but is determined to do even better in 2015.

"I think 2014 was definitely one of the best, if not the best year of my career, it was just an exceptional year, where the team came together, did an amazing job with the car," Hamilton told the Laureus awards website.

"I will plan to drive as good as I did last year, but I want to be better."

"We had some ups and downs. Even though we were at the front of the field the majority of the time, it was still a challenge to try and improve all the time.

"But we want to be better this year, we want to try and dominate even more.

"I feel fresh, I feel fit. I will plan to drive as good as I did last year, but I want to be better.

"I hope that we have the package and I hope that we have some good races, but I'm just grateful that I get to race again."

Laureus award nominee

Hamilton, who is nominated for the sportsman of the year award, said it would be a privilege to win.

"I've never won the big award at Laureus and obviously seen the greats that have. So, you know, I'd be massively privileged if I was amongst those," he added.

Also nominated for the award are football player Cristiano Ronaldo, golf's number one Rory McIlory, MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, tennis player Novak Djokovic and French pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie.

The Laureus awards event will take place on April 15.