Formula 1: Ferrari are title favourites, says Lewis Hamilton

We are just a few days away from the first race of the new Formula 1 season, and three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton tries to put pressure on Ferrari, indicating them as favourites for this year's world title. Mercedes, Hamilton's team, have dominated the sport for the past three seasons but pre-season testing results might indicate that Ferrari have a much more competitive car this year. The new season starts in Australia this weekend, with some new regulations and faster cars. "I see Ferrari being quickest," he said. "They are definitely favourites." Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel replied, saying that Mercedes still have the best cars: "We are doing our best to catch up." Vettel added: Vettel said: "Mercedes have been very strong and even if you change the rules if a team is strong they will build a strong car. Looking at the performance of the cars, it was expected to be a big step up. And that's what we all said when we got out for the first time. I think they will be the fastest cars we have ever driven. it is nice to have that. Competitiveness? We are all here to find out." This season will kick off without the reigning champion, as Nico Rosberg decided to retire after having won the world title last season. About the new cars and regulations, Hamilton said: "It doesn't make any difference to me. Every year is a brand new challenge. You just want to beat whoever it is you're up against and the bigger the fight the more satisfying it is. I have never seen the fans as excited, not knowing where the cars and teams are. More of these changes would be welcome. Maybe they should shorten the time between rule changes." Mercedes are still the team to beat according to the bookmakers, Lewis Hamilton is 6/5 at William Hill to win the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, while Sebastian Vettel is 7/2 to win the first race of the season.