"Hamilton would beat Vettel at Mercedes or Ferrari"

Former Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer believes that world champion Lewis Hamilton would beat Sebastian Vettel whether he drove for Mercedes or Ferrari.

Hamilton claimed his fifth world title on Sunday, with the Brit managing a P4 finish, but Vettel's inability to win in Mexico meant that Lewis could celebrate in Central America for the season season running.

The Mercedes driver was victorious again, winning the title for consecutive seasons, despite Ferrari having the quicker car for most of the campaign.

Former Renault driver Palmer thinks that the gap between Hamilton and Vettel was solely down to the personnel, rather than the machinery.

"Vettel is a world-class driver," Palmer insisted to BBC Sport. "He has won four titles himself and has been well on top of team-mate (Kimi) Raikkonen. But this year, Hamilton has exposed his flaws, while driving flawlessly himself.

"Vettel had all the pressure and kept cracking. Major errors at the French, German, Italian, Japanese and US Grands Prix cost him. Hamilton was unflappable. Vettel could have won the title this year, given his turn of speed and the form of Ferrari.

"He and Hamilton started the season with four titles apiece, and nothing to choose between the cars. There was plenty to choose between the drivers once it all panned out. Hamilton would have won the championship in either car, with the form he has been in this season."