Niki Lauda believes Ferrari has cut the gap to Mercedes to only two tenths, with the triple F1 world champion also wary of Red Bull’s pace on street circuits.
Despite coming off two all-conquering campaigns in the current 1.6-litre V6-turbocharged era, Mercedes has repeatedly said over the winter that it was expecting a much tougher challenge from its nearest rivals this year.
Asked by Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport whether 2016 will see another dominant display from the reigning Constructors' champions, Lauda, who serves as Mercedes' non-executive chairman, replied:
“Well, it’s not Mercedes’ fault if it was stronger than the competition in the past two championships. We want to continue that way but I think the gap has changed. Last year, we had six tenths, half a second over Ferrari. This year, it will be closer; perhaps down to two tenths so anything can happen.”
Despite strong pre-season showings from Mercedes-powered teams Williams and Force India, as well as Renault-engined Red Bull, the Austrian thinks this year’s title fight will mostly remain a two-horse race between Mercedes and Ferrari.
“The Red Bull is fast,” Lauda added. “I think they might challenge us on street circuits like Monaco and Singapore.”
As for McLaren-Honda, the 67-year-old, who won his third and final F1 title with the Woking-based outfit in 1984, thinks they could become a genuine threat though only next year.
“Last year, they did not have the same horsepower as Ferrari and us. But they will continue to develop this season and I think they will be able to compete with the best again in 2017.”
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