Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda thinks that his team's advantage is only as small as two tenths this season compared to their main title rivals Ferrari (and Red Bull).
Pre-season testing indicated that at long-run pace, Mercedes were a full second faster than Ferrari, even though the Silver Arrows never used the new hypersoft compound, as Lauda stated: "They were never part of our programme."
"Our main focus was reliability, as we're only allowed three engines this season."
"We prepared better than ever, so I can go to Australia with confidence, but Ferrari and Red Bull will be on a similar level."
Despite Lauda's statements, Mercedes remain the clear favourites in the eyes of the bookmakers, as they look to take their fifth double championship (both the constructors' and driver's championship) in a row.
"I'm not a bookie and I don't know how they get their odds," Lauda responded.
"I don't think we're more than two tenths ahead of Red Bull. After that comes Ferrari."
However, the Austrian did admit that the new W09 is easier to drive, as he stated that "even Bottas" could handle it well.
Finally, the three-time champion weighed in on the halo-debate.
"You can barely see the driver's helmet, the fan can't see who's in the car, that has to change."
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