With F1’s current regulations now in their fourth year, the performance gaps that gave front-runners comfortable advantages are shrinking fast. Teams that were once struggling to keep pace have had enough time with these cars to catch up on the learning curve. (See: Ferrari and McLaren’s surge last year .)

Lewis Hamilton may have a joint-record seven Formula 1 titles to his name, but he suggested winning the championship with Ferrari would be the most important yet.

Former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell is backing Lewis Hamilton to emulate him in winning his debut race for Ferrari.