Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has claimed that Mercedes have extended their gap at the front of the field.

Drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominated last season, and winter testing has shown that the German team are as equally strong this year.

Ferrari have also had a positive winter, but Vettel insists that this weekend in  Australia is all about playing catch up.

He told F1.com: “It’s about catching up. That already is an ambitious goal. Mercedes was the absolute benchmark last season - and you don’t lose that over a winter, not even when those behind put in a huge effort.

“My guess is that they’ve even made a step forward. Of course others did make their steps as well - so it will be interesting to see what kind of pecking order we will see on Sunday.

“At least partially, the real order will probably become visible once we start the European campaign. Overall, we are happy with what we’ve achieved so far as it was a turbulent winter with a lot of changes in the team.”


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