Lewis Hamilton has, after denying it for many weeks, admitted Mercedes are finally in a position to win races this season.
The Briton repeatedly played down their pace during pre-season testing and even in Australia where he qualified third and finished fifth.
However, following their third and fourth place finishes in Malaysia, he is confident they can be victorious in 2013.
“Definitely,” he told Autosport. “I think this [Malaysia] proves that if we keep going in the direction we are heading, then there’s a possibility that we could win a race at some stage this year.”
The 28-year-old believes they are now the second best team behind current leaders Red Bull.
“We are the second best team,” he added. “To be that close – I was competing with the Red Bulls at some stages in the race – and to be in that position is a great feeling.”
