Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel has no doubts that this season's Formula 1 title race will be even closer than last year.

The Red Bull driver pipped Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to the championship by three points in 2012, after mounting a late surge of form to reclaim his crown.

Ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on Sunday, Vettel believes that there are several drivers in with a shout of winning the title this year.

"We don't really think about what has happened last year, we are here with zero points on our side, the same as everyone else," said Vettel.

"The cars haven't really changed and we saw last year that it was very close so I don't expect it to be very different to last year.

"If anything, it will be a little bit tighter so it will be crucial to make the most of every single race."

The Australian Grand Prix gets the season started on Sunday.