Lewis Hamilton's ability to consistently deliver under pressure is what separates the reigning Formula One world champion from his peers, says Renault rival Daniel Ricciardo.

Hamilton, 35, will begin his 14th Formula One campaign at Sunday's Australian Grand Prix within seven victories of Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91 wins. A championship this year, which would be his fourth in succession, would see the Mercedes driver equal the German great on seven world titles, the most in the sport's 70-year history.

Daniel Ricciardo was full of praise for Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton. Credit:Getty Images

Hamilton has dominated F1 since 2014, when a regulation change from V8 engines to V6 turbo hybrid power plants saw Mercedes emerge as the team to beat. The Briton has taken 62 of his 84 victories in that six-year span and won more than half of the races contested, and Ricciardo says Hamilton's achievements compared to his teammates over that period set him apart.

"Where a lot of people don't give Lewis his due is that while he's had the best car for the past few years and maybe he's had it easier than others, his teammates have as well, and he's gone out and delivered," Ricciardo said.