Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel prepare for 2018 title battle

The new Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend in Australia and last season's title rivals Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are ready to fight for the crown once again. Broth drivers are seeking a fifth championship crown, and the one who will prevail will become the third driver in the history of the sport to win five world titles. Last season Lewis Hamilton accumulated 363 points and 9 race wins with his Mercedes, while Sebastian Vettel only managed to grab 317 points and 5 wins with his Ferrari. "The ultimate goal is to be the best and to be the best you've got to go up against the best," Lewis Hamilton said. "He's got the four world titles, which was the most of any other driver at the time, and I think this is an exciting year for Formula 1 fans, being that we have two four-time world champions battling it out." However, Vettel has won all his four titles with Red Bull and winning the crown with Ferrari would mean a whole lot more for him. In fact, Vettel described winning a world championship with Ferrari as the "ultimate satisfaction". Mercedes have won the last four title doubles, both the drivers' and the constructors' championships. "Mercedes and Lewis are right to be the favourites," said Sebastian Vettel. "But we have reasons to be confident, the car is great and we have more to come. Based on testing, we are in good shape but could be in better shape." Red Bull are also hoping that their work on the car would bring them better results next season, and Lewis Hamilton admitted that they could produce a surprise. Lewis Hamilton is 4/6 at Bet365 to win the title again this season, while Sebastian Vettel is 7/2 to claim his fifth crown this year. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is the most dangerous outsider according to the bookmakers, he is 6/1 at Bet365 to win the title in 2018.