Lew must face hard title facts

LEWIS HAMILTON’S boss claims Ferrari are favourites to win this year’s Formula One championship.

Hamilton, chasing a fourth world title, heads into the seventh round in Canada this weekend 25 points adrift of Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel led home a controversial Ferrari one-two ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen at the last round in Monaco to move 17 points ahead of Mercedes in the team championship, while Hamilton managed only seventh place.

“It’s painful, but we are not the favourites for this year’s championship,” said Toto Wolff, executive director of Mercedes. “At the moment it’s Ferrari.

“They have a very strong package and we need to rise to the challenge to prove once again we are the team to beat.

“There are 14 races left and everything is completely open.

“We’re looking forward to Montreal and the chance to bounce back. It’s about showing resilience.”