Button chooses Mercedes as favourite: 'Fight between Hamilton and Russell'

The countdown to the first Grand Prix of the new Formula One season has begun. Before the action in Bahrain starts, the test days will take place. With the new regulations, the ranking could change considerably, and Jenson Button already has a favorite for the world title.

Slowly more and more teams are presenting their cars for the new season. Already more than half of the new cars have been launched. On Thursday and Friday, it's the turn of Ferrari and Mercedes and so far the differences in aerodynamics between the cars seem large.

Talking to Sky Sports, Button is asked who his favorite is for the world title in 2022. "I have to say Mercedes. Then it’s the fight between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. I think Red Bull were strong last year, but throughout the season Mercedes got closer and closer and they overtook them on outright pace." The team has a new lineup from next season with the arrival of Russell, so it is quite possible that two Britons will be fighting for the world championship.

Ferrari as 'dark horse'

The former F1 driver does not expect any major changes in the ranking but does take Ferrari into account. The Italians finished third in the constructors' championship in 2021 and the team has ambitious plans to compete for the title again.

"Ferrari are the one who made the biggest step forward, I would say, so possibly Ferrari with their great driver line-up," Button says.