Back to the Auto Racing Newsfeed

Sebastian Vettel: Mercedes still the favourites in 2017

Sebastian Vettel insists Mercedes must still be considered the favourite for the Chinese Grand Prix despite Ferrari's win at the season opener in Australia.

Vettel beat pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton to victory in Melbourne to justify pre-season hype around Ferrari's form in Barcelona's winter tests. The win ended a Ferrari drought stretching back to the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix.

The Melbourne result has raised expectations around Ferrari, with many expecting Shanghai to give a better comparison between the two teams, but Vettel is refusing to write off the world champions at this early stage.

"I think Mercedes has to be still the favourite," Vettel said.