0
Flavio Briatore is not sure that Mercedes can be beaten even in 2016. The German outfit has been dominant throughout the two years of the 'power unit' era so far, but Ferrari is confident it can mount a championship challenge next season.
Former Renault chief Briatore, however, told Italian radio Rai: "I think the gap Mercedes has is still significant. They are very much still the favourites. They also have (Lewis) Hamilton, who is now very strong, has become very reliable and does not miss anything. But we will have to wait until the first race," the flamboyant Italian added.
As for Ferrari's chances, Briatore said: "I think they were the surprise of the season and the only team that really improved. (Sebastian) Vettel has also done a super job, motivating the team and always being consistent and fast in the races," he added.
Crucially, Briatore remains involved in the management of Fernando Alonso's career, who at the end of 2014 decided to leave Ferrari for McLaren-Honda, arguing that the only way to beat Mercedes was to join an unique project. For McLaren-Honda, however, 2015 has been an unmitigated disaster. "I think it was impossible to predict just how badly it has gone," said Briatore.
"The initial difficulties were predictable enough, but to see the whole season like that was an unpleasant surprise, particularly as we know how Honda works. Looking forward to next year, we definitely hope there will be an important step, so we will have to see where they can be compared to the opponents," he added. (GMM)
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
M. Verstappen
C. Sainz jr
C. Leclerc
Bahrain
United Arab Emirates
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
185,581 comments on Aston Martin
78 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Fernando Alonso
236,923 comments on Renault 27 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Renault
Replies (0)
Login to reply