Dieter Zetsche: Mercedes Formula 1 dominance criticism uncalled for

The German car manufacturer has won all five races so far this season, and the fact it has locked out all the victories is believed to have played a part in F1's television audience showing declines in some key markets this season.

But speaking at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Mercedes announced a long-term title sponsorship extension with fuel supplier Petronas, Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche believed criticisms that the sport was boring were uncalled for.

"First of all we have seen four years in a row with one team winning the championship, and now we are talking about five races where one team has won," he explained.

"I heard fewer comments after four years about boring racing than I heard after five races - but perhaps the confidence is higher than we can continue this way, I don't know.

"In any case, my feeling is that many have expected Mercedes to succeed in this competition. Some were even surprised that it took us so long to be competitive, so I get a lot of positive response that we are there where people expected us before."

Zetsche insists the fact that the fight between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg has been so close is reason to believe F1 is delivering, plus there is a tight battle in the teams behind Mercedes.

"It is very clear that we have two top notch drivers who are coming in after more than two hours of racing with a fraction of a second between them, which is unbelievable.

"I think and we have seen that, certainly in Bahrain but not only there, that there is extreme fierce fighting between these two drivers for the number one position which in itself is a lot of excitement, for me sometimes more than I can bear, but for many people who are watching it as well.

"On top of that we have a lot of position changes between the teams and within the teams.

"And last but not least, I think it is not our task to take that issue on â€" it is the task of our competition. We will not try to help them, but we are aware that everyone will try to reduce and ultimately close this gap. We will not support that effort."

CLARIFYING ALONSO REMARKS

Zetsche caused a stir earlier this week when the Spanish media quoted him as stating that Fernando Alonso was the best driver in F1.

When asked in Monaco about those remarks, and why he did not think either of his currents drivers were the best, Zetsche said: "Quite frankly one reason was that I was in Spain. And [King] Juan Carlos was present as well and I am a polite man.

"Independent of that, certainly Alonso, and that is what I said, is one of the best drivers. We all agree about that.

But I said as well, and it didn't get quoted, that we have a fantastic team and that we are very happy."

Although the Alonso comments prompted some to suggest that Mercedes could swoop for the Spaniard, the team will be keeping its same driver line-up for next season even though it has not formally announced it plans yet.