Lewis Hamilton is a better racer than teammate Nico Rosberg and is rightly favourite to win this year’s Formula One championship, says ex-star David Coulthard.

Speaking on the eve of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Coulthard believes Hamilton is not only capable of defending his title in 2015 but winning many more.

“He goes into the season as favourite because he is a winning package,” the Scot said in an interview with Laureus.com.

“He’s got the psychological edge and he’s got all that experience behind him.”

Hamilton has claimed 33 grand prix victories and two crowns since debuting in 2007, while his German teammate has claimed just eight races.

Coulthard said Rosberg could have won last year’s championship “very easily”.

“But, in the end, I still think that even if he had, Lewis would have been seen as the better racer,” Coulthard said.

“That is the only thing that is left for Nico to put himself on the same level.

“It is not a question of who is faster, as they are both incredibly fast, but there is just that one area that Lewis has shown himself consistently to be a bit stronger.

“You can see that as a criticism, but I see it as an observation, or fact.

“But if Nico can get on top of that, then he’s absolutely got all the skills to be a world champion.”

The 43-year-old, now a respected commentator, is in no doubt Rosberg will have grown stronger from last year’s experience – putting the pressure on Hamilton.

“But whether he is inspired to dig deep and find that next level remains to be seen,” he said.

Coulthard rated Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo among the drivers to watch out in 2015 following his three race wins last season.

“He is a breath of fresh air for Formula One,” said Coulthard.

“Great driver, great physical commitment to his training and he’s got an endearing, energetic, enthusiastic personality, which I think will really help capture more fans for Formula One – and that’s good for business.”

Ricciardo has been nominated for Laureus’ world breakthrough of the year award, and Hamilton the world sportsman of the year, which was won by rival Sebastian Vettel in 2014.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Shanghai on April 15.