Ferrari finally ready to be champions, says Webber

SEBASTIAN VETTEL and Ferrari are ready to challenge Lewis Hamilton for the world title when the new season gets under way in Melbourne this weekend. The Scuderia have flattered to deceive after strong testing performances in previous years, but nine-time grand prix winner Mark Webber thinks they will live up to the hype this time round. ‘Ferrari have been very good at performing when the grandstands are empty in pre-season,’ said Webber, a pundit for Channel 4. ‘Then the season starts, the Italian influence comes into play and they get panicky and do wacky stuff.’ But that doesn’t put him off backing Vettel to come out on top in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix this weekend. ‘I think Vettel will win,’ said Webber. ‘In previous seasons Lewis has been more comfortable with the car than he is this time. The Mercedes has been more dominant at this point previously. ‘Ferrari had a great pre-season and are ahead of where we expected them to be. Red Bull are there too so it will be really close. Those top-three teams are going to be on a pretty similar level.’ Webber spent the final seven years of his career with Red Bull before retiring after the 2013 season. The Australian says they will find it tough to overhaul Mercedes and Ferrari this year, but have every chance with his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo and 19-year-old Max Verstappen at the wheel. ‘Verstappen’s the dark horse,’ said Webber. ‘He’s phenomenal for his age. He has that win-at-all-costs arrogant streak. He is good in all conditions. It’s like he can see things in slow motion and has time to react. It’s great to watch. ‘The jury’s out on that Renault engine in the Red Bull lasting the course of the season. That’s the only bit I’m worried about for them and it’s hard for me to pick between Ferrari and Mercedes. It’s going to be fascinating.’