Still possible to win 2016 F1 title, claims Vettel

Sebastian Vettel says he is “convinced” he still has a shot at this year’s Formula One title despite scoring less than half the points amassed by current championship leader Nico Rosberg in the first five races.

The four-time world champion sits 52 points adrift the Mercedes man, while Ferrari has yet to really build on the early promising signs it displayed in the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne.

Since then, the Italian outfit has suffered engine reliability woes, seen its drivers collide at the start of the Chinese Grand Prix, and failed to capitalise on Mercedes’ scoreless weekend in Spain due to a subpar qualifying and questionable strategy calls.

Despite the setbacks, Vettel is confident he and his team are still in the fight.

“I think yes, we can -- there is the chance,” he is quoted as saying by ESPN. “Obviously we are not in the best position now, we're not the favourites going to Monaco -- the favourites have to remain Mercedes. But we will try very hard and if there's a chance to win we'll try to win.

“Our first step towards the potential championship is the race in Monaco, and that's how we take it. After Monaco is Canada so we go step by step not trying to look too far ahead. But overall I'm convinced that the chance is there.”

Following last Saturday’s disappointing performance in qualifying, Ferrari used this week’s Barcelona post-race F1 test to focus on what remains a crucial part of the Monte Carlo weekend.

“I think it should be a strong track for us, we were very competitive last year,” Vettel added. “I think we improved the car in those areas, the areas you need for Monaco, the car is better in terms of ride, kerbing, in general so it should help for Monaco.

Exclusive Stoffel Vandoorne Q&A

FEATURE: Combined Barcelona testing times

Scene at the Spanish Grand Prix

Spanish Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter