HAMMY FACING DOUBLE TROUBLE

A HAT-TRICK of heroes are gearing up to ensure the Formula One world championship chase is a season-long humdinger.

Bernie Ecclestone and Jenson Button are united in their belief that Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel will come under serious threat from Max Verstappen in the coming months.

The 21-race campaign kicked off in Australia in the early hours of this morning and former F1 supremo Ecclestone (below) said: “I think we are in for a real treat of a season – I can see Verstappen mixing it with Lewis and Seb. “They had better watch out for him.”

Button, the 2009 champion (left) said: “The way the season is shaping up already, with those three guys, all brilliant drivers, hitting impressive levels I am sure there is a memorable battle in the offing.”

Hamilton, who was the star of Saturday’s qualifying sessions, said: “I can’t begin to say how chuffed I am with my car.

“I know Seb, in an improved Ferrari, is going to put up one hell of a fight and Max will make sure we know he’s there.”

Vettel, a 52-time Grand Prix winner himself, said: “We’ve put right all our weaknesses and the guys in the garage have given me a real challenger.”

Red Bull superstar Verstappen said: “If you don’t believe you can do it and be a winner you might as well stay at home.

“You have to be honest and I believe I can make my presence felt this season. I have learned from my mistakes.”