‘Mercedes are not the favourites’

MONTE CARLO: Mercedes expect to be behind both Red Bull and Ferrari in the pecking order at this week’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton finished only seventh on the streets of Monte Carlo last year as Sebastian Vettel led home a Ferrari one-two ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton enters the famous race 17 points ahead of Vettel following consecutive victories, but Mercedes have struggled at slowspeed circuits in recent years.

“We don’t head into the weekend as favourites,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said. “They are Red Bull and Ferrari.

“Red Bull are strong in the slow-speed corners and where straight-line speed is less important, while Ferrari dominated last year.”

Hamilton and Mercedes returned to their all-conquering best at the last round in Barcelona as the defending champion crushed his rivals to take the spoils.

Valtteri Bottas crossed the line in second place to secure Mercedes’ first one-two of the campaign.

But Wolff added: “We’re not thinking about Spain as a turning point as the track layout, surface and conditions all suited our car and played into our hands.

“We are staying cautious with our predictions as we head to Monaco.

“Last year, it became a weekend of damage-limitation. It was a painful lesson and we are determined to show that we have learned from it this year.”