Lewis Hamilton talks up Ferrari threat

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel traded blows as the battle to win this year’s Formula One crown began with words.

Ferrari, who have not won a title in more than a decade, are hotly tipped to take the assault to Hamilton’s all- conquering Mercedes team this season, after an overhaul of the sport’s technical regulations coupled with an encouraging winter of testing for the famous Italian constructor.

Mercedes have won 51 of the last 59 races in an unprecedented stranglehold on the sport which has seen them clinch the last three drivers’ and constructors’ championships.