Mansell tips Hamilton to claim 2018 title

1992 Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell believes that Lewis Hamilton is the "hot favourite" to win the title again this year. Hamilton wrapped up his fourth title at the Mexican Grand Prix in 2017, beating Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to the spoils.

2018 will be Hamilton's sixth year with Mercedes after he joined the German squad in 2013. He has since picked up three titles with the Silver Arrows, who remain unbeaten in championship terms since 2014. Mansell has picked the Briton as his favourite for 2018 glory.

"Lewis' strength is the team, Mercedes," Mansell told Sky Sports. "The depth and capacity of the Mercedes team is second to none in Formula 1. This year let's hope a few more teams are pitching in there but, for me, Lewis is hot favourite for getting another championship in 2018."

Red Bull endured a disappointing 2017 campaign after it was tipped to challenge Mercedes amid the shake-up in aerodynamic regulations. However, Mansell thinks the energy drink squad will be stronger this year and believes it will get into the title fight mix.

"I hope Sebastian Vettel gets over his little challenges in 2017 and we can have an absolutely fantastic year," admitted the former Williams and Ferrari driver. "Red Bull should be challenging. Daniel Ricciardo is a marvellous driver and Max Verstappen is ready to try and win his first world championship."

Fergal Walsh