Kovalainen: 'Verstappen is the favourite'

Speaking to Gazzetta Motori Heikki Kovalainen discussed the start of the new Formula One season. He believes Max Verstappen is the favourite for the World Championship and analysed the performances of Red Bull Racing, Mercedes and Ferrari.

Kovalainen himself drove in Formula 1 from 2007 to 2013. Today, he commentates on Formula 1 races on Finnish television and is a rally driver. In 2008, he replaced Fernando Alonso at McLaren and became the teammate of the then inexperienced Lewis Hamilton. In that season, he managed to win the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Finn sees his old teammate struggling of late. Hamilton failed to win last season for the first time in his career in Formula 1 and this season too looks to be difficult for the seven-time world champion. He also sees Ferrari struggling, while Red Bull is doing well. "Red Bull looks great, the Mercedes needs to be renewed and Ferrari has a problem. Verstappen is the favourite with the Honda engine performing like this," Kovalainen said.