Mansell doesn't buy into Mercedes' underdog claim

Nigel Mansell has spoken out against Toto Wolff's claim that Mercedes are now underdogs in the fight for the 2017 title. Currently, Ferrari leads the way in both driver and constructor standings, but Mercedes aren't too far behind, with Hamilton 25 points behind Vettel in the driver standings, while Mercedes trail Ferrari by 17 points in the constructor championship.

This is the first time in the V6 hybrid era that Mercedes has been challenged for a title, as they have comfortably led both standings since the end of March 2014.

"That's rhetoric, I don't believe they're underdogs," the former Ferrari driver told Reuters. "I think they are very close. Ferrari has done an absolutely outstanding job through the winter to come out and challenge Mercedes like they have.

"But now it's going to be a race on development, whatever manufacturer develops at a faster rate will ultimately win the world championship," he added.

Mansell still believes that Brit Hamilton can win the title, it's just going to take some of his best driving:  "What Lewis has got to do when things are not quite right is get the best he can possibly out of himself and the team. But Lewis still can win the championship this year, it's going to be very close between them."

Fergal Walsh