British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton believes that there is a 'good vibe' at McLaren ahead of the opening race of the season in Australia next Sunday.

The former world champion has also claimed that he is much happier in his personal life than he was at this stage last year, and partly attributes that to his move to a new luxury house in Monaco.

"There are quite a lot of drivers I know there and my trainer is just up the road.

"So there's a bit more of a social life, there's better weather, it's by the sea, so overall a bit better. That feel-good factor helps going into the season.

"There's a good vibe at McLaren because things went well in testing, unlike last year where we had almost no running."

Hamilton finished fifth in the drivers standings last year while McLaren were second behind Red Bull in the constructors championship.