Mercedes issued warning in F1 title fight

Former F1 driver Stefan Johansson believes the current title fight is “far from over” despite Mercedes' advantage in both standings.

The Brackley-based squad commenced the season in strong fashion, winning the opening six rounds of the campaign.

However, at recent events, it has been caught by rival squads, with Ferrari winning twice and McLaren triumphing once in the last five grands prix.

F1 saw the introduction of new regulations this year, with vast changes brought to the aerodynamic and engine rules.

While Mercedes sprang out of the blocks, its advantage has seemingly shrunk across the last couple of months - setting up a tense second half, according to Johansson.

“It’s already exciting,” he told F1. It’s obviously more than one team [in the mix] now. 

“I think that’s going to even up even more as the years go by. 

“Mercedes clearly had a pretty big advantage at the beginning of the year, but more and more teams are understanding how you manage the car and everything, because that’s a big part of it. 

“It’s going to close up, for sure. I think the championship is far from over.”

Kimi Antonelli currently holds a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton in the drivers' championship, aided by his run to six victories.

Mercedes also hold the lead in the constructors' table, heading Ferrari by 72 points.