Flavio Briatore: "Lewis Hamilton is stronger than Sebastian Vettel"

Flavio Briatore believes Lewis Hamilton is stronger than title rival Sebastian Vettel. Vettel currently has an eight-point lead over the British number one, but the Italian businessman expects Hamilton to fight back.

He spoke to Italian Radio Capital and claims Vettel will only become the 2018 champion if Hamilton makes a series of mistakes.

"Ferrari have a chance to win again, but only if Lewis Hamilton is going to make mistakes. Just because of the bad luck that Mercedes has had during the last two races, Ferrari have been given the opportunity to get a head start," the former Renault man said.

"Hamilton is just stronger than Vettel since Sebastian has to fight a lot more to get his car under control. Lewis has found his rhythm in the WO9, making it easier for him."

He also tells Ferrari to take a risk next season. If they want to go on and win the constructors championship, they must make changes in their driver line up.

"Put Kimi Raikkonen aside and replace him for Leclerc. Otherwise, you will never again win the constructors. If you take that risk, as a Ferrari you can participate in that fight again."