Lewis Hamilton played down the importance of making a strong start to the season with a win at the Australian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver and reigning world champion retired in Melbourne last year before going to win the title ahead of team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton's first world title – in 2008 – came after he opened the season with a win at Albert Park.

But the 30-year-old Brit said while it would be nice to begin the campaign with a win, it was not of the utmost importance.

"I don't see a particular exaggerated importance than any other time," Hamilton told a media conference in Melbourne on Thursday.

"You like to start on the right foot, as I did want to last year.

"But there's a long, long way to go. It's not the most important."

Many are tipping Hamilton to go back-to-back, with Mercedes expected to be dominant again in 2015.

Hamilton said it would be a dream to emulate his idol, Ayrton Senna, and become a three-time world champion.

"I always wanted to do what Ayrton did," he said.