Formula One world champions Mercedes say they are now the underdogs to Ferrari in this year’s title race but Nigel Mansell is taking that with a pinch of salt.
The 1992 world champion, loved by the Ferrari fans as ‘Il Leone’ (The Lion) during his earlier time at Maranello, told Reuters he was
“sceptical of the claim”
“That’s rhetoric. I don’t believe they’re underdogs,”
Mansell declared prior to his entry the Motor Sport Magazine Hall of Fame at a gala dinner on Wednesday.
“I think they are very close.”
Earlier this week in a race preview, Toto Wolff told us his feelings:
“It’s painful, but we are not the favourites for this year’s championship. At the moment it’s Ferrari,”
Mansell told Reuters that Ferrari had done:
“an absolutely outstanding job through the winter to come out and challenge
Mercedes like they have” and was delighted for his old team.
he added.
“But now it’s going to be a race on development, whatever manufacturer develops at a faster rate will ultimately win the world championship,”
I am with Mansell. The facts are simple, champions Mercedes have won 54 of 65 races since the introduction of the 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid power units in 2014, admittedly only three from six this season but underdogs are competitors thought to have little chance of winning a contest.
Underdogs do not achieve 60 poles of the last 65 races. Ferrari only ended a 21-race podium streak by Mercedes at Monaco (the fourth longest such run in the sport’s history).
My Feeling is that Wolff is simply trying to take the pressure of non podium finishes off Mercedes and suggesting that the pressure on Ferrari not to loose instead of Mercedes to win.
Hamilton has won it five times (in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016) and this year’s race is also the 10th anniversary of his first.
The rain-hit Canadian Grand Prix of 2011 was Formula One’s longest race, lasting four hours, four minutes and 39.537 seconds. The safety car was deployed six times, another record. Even on a good day the circuit is regarded by the FIA as “LOW GRIP”
To counteract the lack of grip, tyre supplier Pirelli is this weekend bringing in its range, the Soft, Supersoft and Ultrasoft. The combination was last used in Monaco and has also been used in Russia… and Mercedes know that the current chassis does not play well with these, especially on the rear of Hamilton’s car, however it has also been suggested by a long term commenter to the site that if the weather stays the same as it is now, they might need snow tyres by the weekend.
SteveBarbyF1
Craig Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
“however it has also been suggested by a long term commenter to the site that if the weather stays the same as it is now, they might need snow tyres by the weekend.”
How a couple of days changes things. It was 11C / low 50’sF on Monday and Tuesday. Sunday is expected to be 27C / 28C – low – mid 80’sF with little / no chance of rain
Quali on Saturday is forecast to be 26C / 80F with no chance of rain
http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2017/06/08/rain-forecast-for-race-day-in-montreal/
I have to agree with the writer and Mansell that Toto is just trying to deflect.
That was my opinion the first time I read Toto’s remarks.
At this point, I believe it comes down to the track and weather as to which is better suited.