Chinese GP penalty gives Rosberg an easy weekend - Hamilton

Hamilton heads to the third round of the season 17 points behind Rosberg in the F1 standings, following the German's victories in Australia and Bahrain.

If he is to stop Rosberg making it three from three, and adding to his run of wins that also includes the last three of 2015, Hamilton will have to overcome a five-place grid penalty after Mercedes elected to change his gearbox.

"It is going to be an easy weekend for Nico," Hamilton said.

"It will most likely be an easier weekend for him.

"But it doesn't mean I can't give him a run for his money from wherever I start, so I'll be pushing as hard as I can.

"It doesn't mean I can't win the race, which is my thought process rather than damage limitation."

Hamilton has reminisced fondly about his karting days, and says the prospect of fighting his way through the order again in Sunday's race - following slow starts in 2016's first two grands prix - is exciting.

"I like racing, so I enjoy coming from the back," he said.

"That's how I started. When I started racing we started last all the time because we had a crap kart and that's all we could afford.

"That's what I grew up doing, that's what I love doing.

"I didn't start in a top team at the front, and that's what I love so much about my early days and races where I have had to start further back.

"Actually the last couple of races a bit further back it's been really exciting, so maybe that's why I'm in a good mood because I'm going to have a race with some people at least."

ROSBERG: HAMILTON STILL A THREAT

While Rosberg leads the championship, Hamilton has held the upper-hand in qualifying so far in 2016, taking pole for both races.

"I have taken notice of that, but it hasn't really changed my approach at all," he said.

"A Hamilton that starts sixth is still going to challenge for the win, so from that point of view it doesn't really change much for me.

"I'm still fully focused and not taking anything for granted because there is not only him, but there is still Ferrari who haven't shown at all what they can do that.

"We mustn't forget that. There is a lot more in them because they've had such a messy first two races.

"It couldn't have gone any worse probably for them, and I know that."