Rapid Sebastian Vettel aims to take title challenge to Mercedes after impressive start to winter testing

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel believes he can end Mercedes’ and Lewis Hamilton’s domination of the sport to land the Italian giants first drivers’ championship in eight years.

Vettel topped the time sheets on the first day of preseason testing in Barcelona on Monday just under a month out from the first race of the season in Australia on March 20.

The German won the only three races not won by defending world champion Hamilton or his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg last season.

Indeed, Mercedes’ dominance in winning 32 of 38 grands prix in the last two seasons has led to calls for rules changes to increase competition, whilst F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone claimed the sport was “the worst it has ever been” on Monday.

However, Vettel is hopeful of pushing Hamilton and Rosberg all the way this season.

“Not just for the fans but for myself and the whole team we’d love to fight for the title until the very end and have a decent chance,” he said.

“Obviously last year we had a surprising year which was very good for us, especially for the atmosphere and motivation of the team, and hopefully we can carry that into this year.