Hamilton not convinced Mercedes are clear title favourites 

Despite being labelled as clear title favourites heading into the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton is convinced rivals Red Bull and Ferrari will pose a serious threat. 

Mercedes has dominated the V6 hybrid era in F1 and although it faced a significant challenge from a revitalised Ferrari last season, the German manufacturer was still able to secure fourth consecutive world titles in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. 

The reigning world champions impressed once more in pre-season testing, leading to Red Bull and Ferrari to single Mercedes out as favourites. But Hamilton is keen to play down the hype heading into this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix. 

“I think at this time of the year everyone is trying to hype someone else up and we are the perfect target because we are the world champions,” Hamilton said. “It’s like trying to put all the pressure onto someone else because it takes the weight off of you.  

“But ultimately the pressure is divided on all of us because Red Bull seems to have done a great job with their car and it has a lot more furniture on it [than last year] and should be a lot quicker this weekend with two great drivers. 

“And then you’ve got Ferrari who were in a real fight with us last year and they will be no walkover that’s for sure. This year we expect them to be on it too. 

“I’m just trying to make sure I’m in the best position I can be and I understand the car and my tools, because as soon as you get on track the steps you take in terms of moving the car forwards and improving the envelope you are working in is crucial. 

“Every step has to be the right step,” he added. “Every year we have to take it to another level because if you look at last year we started and Red Bull was a second or so behind and at the last race they were right there with us. So their rate of development was a little bit steeper than everyone else’s.”

The Briton, who is aiming to claim his fifth world championship title this season, believes neither Red Bull or Ferrari revealed their true potential during testing. 

“I think everyone did different things in testing. If you look at the Red Bulls, they never used their best race mode for example. I’m not sure if that is the case for Ferrari, but that’s certainly the case for a couple of people.

“From what I understand, I think Red Bull and Ferrari are very close. Potentially we are either level, just behind or maybe just ahead of the Red Bulls as far as I’m aware. But this weekend they might bring a new upgrade, so it’s going to be tight.”