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With Lewis Hamilton finishing first and third in the first two races, Mercedes have sent out a clear message to the F1 World. Mercedes have a car which is capable of challenging for race wins and the world championship, says Sir Jackie Stewart.
BBC sport has quoted the Flying Scot saying that,
“Yes, they can win races. Lewis will drive the living daylights out of whatever car he’s got.”
“They can challenge for the title, but they will need to keep up with Red Bull and Ferrari in terms of development.”
The current World Driver standings stand as under:
1. Vettel – 40 points2. Raikkonen – 31 points3. Mark Webber – 26 points4. Hamilton – 25 points
Raikkonen had won the opening race of the season in Australia and Sebastian Vettel won the recent Malaysian Grand Prix controversially after he ignored the team orders of not over-taking his fellow team-mate Webber.
The three-time world champion added:
“If the Red Bull is as good as it can be, that’s your main opposition, while Ferrari are already more competitive at the start of the season than they were last year.”
“The Lotus is very competitive, too, and McLaren will fight back, but [Mercedes team principal] Ross Brawn is an extraordinarily talented man. Mercedes exist to win and they have the resources to do so.”
Stewart added: “If Mercedes had let Rosberg pass Hamilton in Malaysia, could he have caught the Red Bulls? It’s not impossible. There’s no question that Lewis holds the upper hand because he’s had more success – he’s had more race wins and a championship. He’s also started the season well. Nico has won a race (in China last season), but he has yet to follow that up.”
“Mercedes have got themselves a very expensive driver and they’ll want him to do well. They’ve got the people who Lewis feels will be good for the team. [Technical director] Paddy Lowe is coming from McLaren and I’m sure part of the reason is because Lewis is there.”
“Nico is a skilled and talented driver and he may well be better on his tyres but he would have learned his lesson in Malaysia that you can’t leave it until the last minute to try and take the initiative. It’ll be interesting to see how he responds.”
Lewis Hamilton has outscored Rosberg in both the races but he was quick to say that his team-mate deserved the 3rd place. Steward believes that the newcomer is in a better position in the team.
The next race in line is scheduled on 12-14 April in China.
Source: BBC
