Prost: Ferrari can win the world championship

Alain Prost believes that Ferrari could win the 2018 world championship and break the four-year dominance Mercedes has held over the sport since the hybrid era began back in 2014. The four-time champion said that Ferrari had made better progress and could challenge properly this season.

Talking to Italy's Autosprint, the 'Professor' reaffirmed his belief that the Scuderia could out-race Mercedes to the world championship in 2018.

"I made a mistake last year when I said that every time there is a change of regulation, Ferrari was rarely there.

"In the winter Mercedes and Red Bull seemed to be a little better, but it turned out that they (Ferrari) are there in qualifying and tyre management. And also Raikkonen is there at Vettel's level which will be a great help.

"I think this year Ferrari can win.

"I think the engine has progressed more than the chassis.

"The six drivers for Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull can be competitive in all circumstances. It's more difficult for Hamilton, who has usually fought for championships against single drivers only.

"Now he will not be able to manage races in the same way against four or five competitors, but for us it will be exciting."