Briatore Backs Hamilton For 2018 F1 Title, Wants Ferrari To Replace Raikkonen

Ferrari have mounted a serious title challenge to Mercedes in 2018 after faltering in 2017 and are now in the driving seat in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship. However, Flavio Briatore has backed Lewis Hamilton to win the F1 Drivers' title.

The Silver Arrows team have won both the titles for the last four years, but are facing a strong challenge from the Italian outfit to retain their supremacy in the sport.

Sebastian Vettel currently leads the Drivers’ championship by eight points from defending champion Hamilton, while Ferrari are 20 points ahead of Mercedes. The Scuderia gained the momentum after the sport hosted its first triple-header, which saw three races contested in three consecutive weekends.

The top teams — Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing — were aware that it will be defining in the championship race and the Italians came out on top taking advantage of some poor strategy calls and reliability issues for the Brackley-based team.

Despite Ferrari leading the standings and Vettel looking in great form — former Benetton and Renault team principal Briatore insists Hamilton will win the Drivers’ title in 2018.

A number of rival team principals in the paddock have admitted that Ferrari do have the overall stronger package this season, but Briatore believes the Maranello-based team is only ahead due to Mercedes’ double retirement in Austria and a poor strategy decision at Silverstone.

Vettel has won four races to Hamilton’s three, but the Frenchman, who is banned from the sport for life after being found guilty of fixing a race result, insisted that Hamilton is the favorite.

"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," Briatore told Italian Radio Capital, as quoted on F1i. "Ferrari have a chance to win again, but only if Lewis Hamilton is going to make mistakes."

“Hamilton is just stronger than Vettel," he added. "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."

Meanwhile, Ferrari are yet to reveal the identity of Vettel’s teammate for the 2019 season with speculation rife that they will replace Kimi Raikkonen with young rising star Charles Leclerc.

The Monegasque driver has impressed in his debut season with the Sauber team and he is part of the Ferrari young driver program. Raikkonen revealed earlier in the season that he wants to remain with the team for at least one more season, but the final decision will be made by the team management.

The Finn has made a case for his retention by improving his performances in recent races with three consecutive podium finishes. But Briatore is of the belief that Ferrari have to replace Raikkonen if they are to win the Constructors’ title again.

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