Four time F1 champ Vettel dismisses doubters over chances of fifth F1 title

Sebastian Vettel has reportedly warned those who are already writing off his chances of a fifth consecutive Formula One title that the season is long and the team's current engine problems won't last.

The four-time consecutive Formula 1 title winner has had a troubled offseason, with Red Bull facing a host of problems in its testing because engine supplier Renault suffered failures while trying to make the sport's new six-cylinder turbo hybrid 'powertrain' function in anything approaching a reliable fashion.

According to Stuff.co.nz, although Vettel acknowledged Mercedes as the team to beat in this weekend's season-opening race in Australia, he was adamant about adding another title to his name and said that the team is not in the best position for this race, but it is a different story regarding the championship.

Vettel, who reportedly did not have to go far to look for inspiration as Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso also faced a similar situation in 2012, said that two years back Fernando was on the grid with 1.5 seconds to pole, and was very close to beating them for the title at the very last race, so anything could happen.

The Red Bull driver also said that they are a strong team and have got a lot of good people on board with a lot of strong resources adding that they should progress as the season goes on.