F1 legend Jackie Stewart says he's hopeful this season could be a lot more entertaining than the last few.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won last year's world title, with teammate Lewis Hamilton taking the crown the previous two seasons.

Stewart explained that from an entertainment perspective, it's not been a lot of fun.

"The car was so much better than everybody else," he told Sky Sports. "Even all the skills that Lewis Hamilton has, it was hardly one of those years where you couldn't have a Mercedes car not win.

"That's not that exciting for fans watching out there."

Rosberg announced his shock retirement just days after becoming world champion last year.

"Since 25 years in racing, it has been my dream, my 'one thing' to become Formula One World Champion," he wrote.

"Through the hard work, the pain, the sacrifices, this has been my target. And now I’ve made it. I have climbed my mountain, I am on the peak, so this feels right."

Valtteri Bottas has since been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new team-mate at Mercedes.