Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain poses at the First Annual Diamond Ball fundraising event at The Vineyard in Beverly Hills, California December 11, 2014. The event benefits the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF).
Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain poses at the First Annual Diamond Ball fundraising event at The Vineyard in Beverly Hills, California December 11, 2014. The event benefits the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF). Mario Anzuoni

Lewis Hamilton could win the 2015 Formula One, or F1, World Driver's Championship sooner, according to his father Anthony. Lewis bagged the 2014 F1 Title with 384 points and 11 first place finishes (Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Russian, United States and Abu Dhabi). The elder Hamilton thinks that Lewis could wrap up the World Driver's Championship title by the middle of 2015 if all goes well.

"You never know, but I think if you look at what Lewis went through last year, we started the year where we felt that if everything had gone well, by mid-year, he probably would have won the championship," Anthony told Sky Sports Online. "I think the same thing could potentially happen this year, if he starts well, if the car is good, performance is good, I think Lewis could win the championship again this year."

The 2014 season has presented one of the most enthralling scuffles in motorsport as Mercedes' duo and childhood friends Lewis and Nico Rosberg became tough rivals. Nico had a total of eight second place finishes behind Lewis (Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Spain, Italy, Japan, Russia and United States). Lewis edged out Nico by only 67 points to win the 2014 F1 World Driver's title.

The elder Hamilton thinks that Nico will come back with a different mindset, approach and understanding on how to beat Lewis this season. While it is likely that tension will escalate between Lewis and Nico, the elder Hamilton believes that it wouldn't be personal because the pair maintains a strong bond with each other.

Furthermore, the elder Hamilton thinks that it is equally tough for Lewis to see Nico come too close to winning the 2014 F1 title as it is for Nico. Ahead of the upcoming 2015 season, which kicks off in Australia on March 16, the elder Hamilton foresees a different kind of rivalry between Lewis and Nico. He believes that there will be respect and trust between Lewis and Nico, which would make the 2015 season the most interesting for both racers.

Meanwhile, Nico tweeted Lewis a very cheeky birthday message when the Brit celebrated his 30th birthday. Nico said that Lewis' age would give him great chances to beat him in 2015.

#HappyBirthdayLewis - 30!! Have a great party! This day is good for me. You are old now, so hopefully it will be easier for me this year :-)

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) January 7, 2015

Lewis and Nico grew up together in the karting circuit before they joined F1. Their friendship has long been tested, especially after Lewis' signing with Mercedes in 2013. They had been breathing down each other's necks all season long. In 2015, will Lewis and Nico be able to keep their friendship as both strive to get on top?

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail: r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

RELATED STORIES