Who is favorite for the 2017 F1 drivers title?

[Nitrodaze]

If we go by the current scoreboard and the clear edge that Ferrari have on Mercedes, you would have to say Vettel. But looking at how Sochi turned out, it certainly is not quite so clear who the favorite is. It is simply too early to call.

However, it is emerging that battle for the title is not a two way fight between Vettel and Hamilton as most have thought. Based on current trend, it is looking like a three way fight with Bottas well in it now. But realistically, l suspect it could also develop into a five or six way fight, if Kimi gets his head down and Redbull delivers on its promise of a better package by Barcelona GP. Having Ricciado and Verstapenn in the mix would definitely spice things up.

But if you have to put your money on it right now, who would you put your money on for the title? Before you do, some things to consider:-

1. The Mercedes disadvantage to Ferrari is an old unresolved problem that punishes the tyres more than the Ferrari does. Hence, it is inherent in the design of the car. Not likely to be tuned out without major changes to the car.

2. Ferrari are on level engine power with the Mercedes. But have an edge in the chassis architecture which has a broader setup window for the tyres than the Mercedes has. Hence are likely to win more races than Mercedes if they do not mess up their strategy.

3. Great Launching from standstill can win a driver a races as overtaking is harder with these wider cars; as Bottas has shown in Russia. Hence Mercedes can steal wins from Ferrari on occasions.

4. Mercedes would be contending with internal battles for most of the season while Ferrari seem to be emerging into a clear Number one and number two driver formation. This would mean that the Mercedes drivers would steal points from each other while Vettel would be consolidating points.

5. When Redbull joins the fray, under performing Mercedes or Ferrari cars may be punished further by a resurgent Redbull car. Constructors points would be sacrificed by bad performances by team and driver alike at Ferrari and Mercedes.

6. Mercedes do not seem to be giving their three time world champion the car he needs to take the fight to the Ferraris. Bottas is having a great showing at the moment. But when the going really gets tough which i think would do when Redbull joins the fight at the front, which of their two drivers do you think has the experience and mettle to string together a title winning campaign in the face of a rampant Vettel and Ferrari combination?

7. Vettel is driving at his best for a long time. He looks comfortable, happy and quietly confident. I cannot say that for anyone else on the grid at the moment. Hamilton is rattled, Mercedes seem be having a delayed reaction to the shock of being the second best team on the grid suddenly.

SO WITH THESE MINOR THINGS TO CONSIDER, WHO DO YOU THINK THE FAVORITE FOR THE 2017 TITLE IS?