Nigel Mansell isn't buying Toto Wolff's claim that Mercedes is now the 'underdog' in its battle with arch-rival Ferrari.
The Mercedes boss recently said that after three years of utter dominance the German outfit had relinquished its role as the favourite to win the title.
But Mansell, who was inducted yesterday into Motor Sport Magazine's Hall of Fame, is skeptical of Wolff's assertion.
"That's rhetoric, I don't believe they're underdogs," the 1992 world champion told Reuters.
"I think they are very close. Ferrari has done an absolutely outstanding job through the winter to come out and challenge Mercedes like they have.
"But now it's going to be a race on development, whatever manufacturer develops at a faster rate will ultimately win the world championship," he added.
The Brit, who raced for the Scuderia in 1989 and 1990, is convinced the Silver Arrows remains a formidable force, as does Lewis Hamilton.
"What Lewis has got to do when things are not quite right is get the best he can possibly out of himself and the team.
"But Lewis still can win the championship this year, it's going to be very close between them."
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