Jenson Button believes he will have to make another lightning start to the season if he is to retain his World title.
Last season Button stunned the sport by winning six of the opening seven races, building a platform which enabled him to become World Champion with Brawn GP.
The 30-year-old's soar-away early success proved crucial as he only managed two podium finishes in the final 10 grands prix, doing just enough to hold off a charge from Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel.
Button has since switched teams to McLaren, believing he required the change to reignite his passion as he feared going stale with Brawn, and with the title in his pocket.
But with this season the most open for years, and with seemingly so many contenders for the crown, whoever gets a flier could again be in pole position to claim the Championship.
Ahead of Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, a race he won last year en route to the title, Button admitted: "I feel I'll need a dominant start again this weekend.
"I think every Championship, for any Champion, it's important to be quick out of the blocks.
"If you look back, normally the guy that really fights for the Championship and gets the Championship is strong from the word go.
"So yes, it is important for all of us to be up there at the front here in Bahrain.
"The competition is very fierce, I must say, but that's why it is exciting.
"For a fan of Formula One, this season should really be electric. If it's not, we're doing something seriously wrong."
Button acknowledged the return of Felipe Massa after eight months out following his accident in qualifying for last year's Hungarian Grand Prix that resulted in him requiring life-saving surgery.
There was also special mention for Schumacher, with Button patting the 41-year-old on the shoulder as he said: "It's great to have Michael back because it makes me feel young again!"
Sitting in the main FIA media conference on Friday with fellow World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso also alongside him, it underlined the stellar nature of this year's field.
"Looking at this race, I don't think there have been so many competitive drivers in competitive cars for a long time, so it's great to see," assessed Button.
It is Button, though, who goes into the season with the coveted number one on his car, which means so much to him - although it is a feeling he concedes will not last for long.
"I can only look at that in a positive way, and stepping into the car and seeing the number one on it is a very special feeling," smiled Button.
"Especially here in Bahrain at the first race when, just before I put on my helmet and look at the car and see the number one, it's going to be an emotional moment.
"But the moment I step into the car and close my visor, last season is out of the window, and that's when I focus on this year."
