Two prominent Formula 1 figures have said that they would put their money on Lewis Hamilton winning a third consecutive drivers' title in 2017.

His Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg has hit back at Hamilton's recent resurgence with two wins on the trot, and the points gap is down to a measly two points.

Yet F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone told the sport's official website: "Of course [Hamilton] will win. No doubt about that."

Jenson Button, a former teammate of the triple world champion and the most experienced active F1 driver, agrees.

"He's come from such a long way back, I think everyone forgets how far he was behind Rosberg and he closed that gap over three races," the McLaren-Honda driver told The Sun.

"His qualifying is impressive, and I think in a race you know he's in a very strong position.

"Mentally he's a lot stronger than he used to be, he's got a really good chance and he probably is going to win a fourth world title."

The season continues on Sunday with the Singapore Grand Prix.