Ferrari president: Mercedes are more fortunate

Ferrari president John Elkann says Mercedes' stunning, record-breaking start to the 2019 Formula 1 season has had as much to do with good luck as it has the Silver Arrows' performance. Mercedes have recorded one-two finishes at the first four races of 2019, setting a new F1 record.

Having equalled the record of 1992's Williams in China, the Silver Arrows now stand alone with the best start to a world championship season.

Ferrari had been expected to be the team to beat after an impressive pre-season, but the Silver Arrows have resumed familiar residence at the top of the championship standings.

Having largely dominated in Australia and China, Lewis Hamilton's Bahrain win carried an element of fortune as Charles Leclerc suffered engine failure from the lead, while Leclerc's crash in qualifying in Azerbaijan this weekend opened the door for the Silver Arrows, with the Monegasque having set the pace previously.

Ferrari's tactics have left plenty to be desired, although Elkann is confident that all is not lost.

"Mercedes is stronger and more fortunate, but we did the fastest lap today," Elkann is widely quoted by Italian media after the Baku race, which saw Leclerc snatch the bonus point.

"The spirit that is in Ferrari is very good, there is a great desire to win and the championship is still very long."

Barcelona looms next on the calendar, scene of Ferrari's testing excellence, but also Hamilton victories in each of the last two years.

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