Jos Verstappen has predicted that Mercedes will come out of the blocks in Melbourne this weekend with its dominance intact.
The German team has easily won every drivers' and constructors' title in the new 'power unit' era, and had a conspicuously smooth winter pre-season period.
"Let's hope Ferrari has made a big step forward," Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver and the father of Toro Rosso sensation Max, told De Telegraaf.
"Mercedes definitely has the edge over the rest.
"I walked around the circuit during the test days in Barcelona and the extremely good handling of that car is obvious. Plus a surplus of power."
Perhaps a more interesting question, the former Minardi and Benetton driver mused, is whether Lewis Hamilton can keep his position at the top of the Mercedes tree.
"For [Nico] Rosberg I think it's five minutes to twelve," said Verstappen. "This must be his year, otherwise his situation will become very difficult."
Behind the silver-versus-red battle, the 44-year-old Dutchman said that Williams and Red Bull are closely matched, but Force India is also in the mix.
