Hamilton 'stronger' than Vettel in title fight - Briatore

Lewis Hamilton is "stronger" than Sebastian Vettel and the Ferrari man only stands a chance of winning his fifth drivers' title in 2018 if Mercedes continue to falter. That is the view of the ever-outspoken Flavio Briatore, who believes the Silver Arrows' 2018 machine remains the strongest on the grid.

Vettel leads Hamilton by eight points in the drivers' standings after winning the British Grand Prix last time out, while Ferrari are 20 points clear in the constructors' table.

Hamilton had qualified on pole at Silverstone, but a poor getaway and opening-lap tangle with Kimi Raikkonen cost him dearly, although he still recovered to finish second behind Vettel.

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It followed Mercedes' first double DNF in more than two years at the Austrian Grand Prix - and Briatore believes that only a run of similar incidents will prevent Hamilton from overtaking Vettel by the end of the year.

"Ferrari have a chance to win again, but only if Lewis Hamilton is going to make mistakes," Briatore told Radio Capital.

"Just because of the bad luck that Mercedes has had during the last two races, Ferrari have been given the opportunity to get a head start.

"Hamilton is just stronger than Vettel since Sebastian has to fight a lot more to get his car under control. Lewis has found his rhythm in the W09, making it easier for him."

Briatore also believes Ferrari need to make a change in their driver line-up in order to keep Mercedes at bay in the constructors' race - backing reports that the Scuderia will promote Charles Leclerc in 2019.

"Put Kimi Raikkonen aside and replace him with Leclerc," the Italian said.

"Otherwise, they will never again win the constructors. If they take that risk, Ferrari can participate in that fight again."