F1 news: Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel makes HUGE Mercedes claim

Mercedes won 12 of last term’s 20 races to romp to the constructors’ title while Lewis Hamilton beat Vettel to the drivers’ title by 46 points.

Speaking during a break from the track on day four of pre-season testing, the German said: “I think Mercedes is the favourite going in to this year, so if we can be close – very close – closer than last year then would be great but it’s a long year.

“Now it’s March and we keep going to the end of November. It’s a long time from here to the end of the season.”

Ferrari recovered from a poor 2016 to leapfrog Red Bull as Mercedes’ main rivals last season.

Vettel posted the fastest time on day two of pre-season testing but he believes it is too early to judge whether their improvements continue into this campaign.

He said: “Anything is possible but, to answer your question, I don’t know the answer yet.

“So far things have been looking ok but there has been very limited running for everyone.

“It’s very difficult to judge not just for yourselves, but judge compared to the others.

“But it’s not that important in the first week, you just want to make sure your car is running.

“That’s been tough as well because there wasn’t that much running.”

Vettel has not won the drivers’ championship since 2013 and he is itching to get his hands on the title.

“It’s inevitable that everyone gets older but it’s always too long if more than a year goes,” he said. “You want to make sure you bring it back.

“That’s our ambition and target to bring the championships back to Maranello.”