No 2017 title for Ferrari, says Prost

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Grand Prix legend Alain Prost just threw cold water on any hopes Ferrari fans may have had of seeing a Scuderia driver win the world title this year.

The House of Maranello hasn't won the world championship since 2008, while Kimi Raikkonen was the last Ferrari driver to be crowned, in 2007.

The Scuderia's last race win dates back to 2015, when Sebastian Vettel won in Singapour.

Four-time world champion Alain Prost, who raced for the Italian squad in 1990 and 1991, doesn't see Ferrari challenging leading contenders Mercedes or Red Bull at the head of the field.

"When the rules and the cars change a lot, as they are now, Ferrari is almost always not at the top," says Prost, who is now an advisor to Renault in F1.

"That's why I don't think Ferrari and its drivers will have any chances this year."

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The 61-year-old Frenchman thinks however that things could be disputed up front.

"I think the situation this year will be 50-50 between Mercedes and Red Bull."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.