Mercedes still favourite for title - Briatore
- Published on 16 Jul 2018 12:09
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
Flavio Briatore thinks Mercedes is still the favourite for the 2018 world championship.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel has taken an 8 point lead in the drivers' standings, but former Renault boss Briatore thinks there is more to it than that.
"Ferrari only gained the upper hand because Mercedes was unlucky for two races," he told Radio Capital.
"Ferrari has a chance to win, but only if Lewis Hamilton makes mistakes," he added.
The flamboyant Italian also thinks Hamilton has the upper hand for another reason.
"Hamilton is just stronger than Vettel," said Briatore. "Sebastian has to fight a lot harder to keep his car under control. Lewis has found his rhythm in his car so that makes it easier for him."
As for what Ferrari needs to do next, Briatore has some advice.
"They should take Kimi out of the cockpit and give it to Leclerc. Otherwise they'll never win the constructors' trophy again. They have to take that risk," he said.
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Replies (7)
Login to replymcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Now that, Briatore said Ferrari should replace Kimi, I think they should retain Kimi.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Haha
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
The only reason to speak of Mercedes as favorite is the previous four seasons. This year Ferrari has had the best car in most races. That's a fact. The only reason Sebastian doesn't have a much lead in the championship is his clumsy overtaking attempts that cost him wins and podiums in at least three races. They've also been helped by Mercedes continuing to make strategic mistakes
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They did up until Merc' recent upgrades. Merc' is in a weird limbo where they have a good car but still somehow get beaten by Ferrari.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@calle I see no limbo. In Canada Ferrari had the best car. In France it was Vettel harpooning Bottas, although Hamilton won. In Austria it was a strategic blunder and reliability. In Silvertsone a strategic blunder and Raikkonen harpooning Hamilton. Ferrari has had a good enough car to win all of those races. Indeed they've had a car good enough to win every race except for Monaco.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im not really sure, because Merc' has been dominating practice sessions and quali ever since they rolled out these recent updates. Ferrari isnt far behind, thats for sure, but Merc' took a big step forward. I still think Vettel is the favourite to the driver's title this year, but Im not sure Ferrari is the favourite to the constructor's title. But lord knows we'd need it by now.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I agree Vettel is favorite to win the title. The only reason Ferrari is not favorite to win constructors is Raikkonen.