Rosberg tips Mercedes to beat Ferrari in 2017

2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg thinks that his former team Mercedes holds the edge over Ferrari, and expects the German manufacturer to wrap up a fourth consecutive title later this year. Mercedes is locked in battle with Ferrari, who has risen to a championship challenge for the first time in a number of years.

Mercedes is 39 points ahead of the Italian marque in the standings, despite Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel leading the way in the driver standings by 14 points. After Ferrari started the season strongly, Rosberg doesn't see how they can keep up in the development race with Mercedes.

"Ferrari did a really great job over the winter," Rosberg told Sport Bild. "But from now on it is a development race. And I find it hard to believe that Ferrari can keep up. After Silverstone I already thought 'That's it now' and was surprised to see Ferrari fight back in Hungary. But Spa will once again be a real Mercedes track and Ferrari is unlikely to have a chance," he added.

Rosberg thinks that the strongest tool Ferrari has is Vettel: "We know that he does not control his emotions sometimes," Rosberg said. "Last year we already saw that on the radio in Mexico. But this thick skin in the consequences of such an action is also a strength of Sebastian's. In the short term and in the moment it may seem weak, but over a whole season that can actually make the difference. His basic character, in spite of everything else, is poised for victory, and that cannot hurt."

Fergal Walsh