Bernie Ecclestone hopes Ferrari can fight for 2016 F1 championship

F1 has been dominated by Mercedes over the past two seasons, with the German manufacturer winning both the constructors' and drivers' championships, and 32 of the 38 grands prix in total.

Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel edged closer to Mercedes last season, and there are indications from recent pre-season testing it will again be pushing reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Asked on the Australian Grand Prix official podcast what would make the races exciting again for the fans, F1 supremo Ecclestone replied: "The bottom line is a simple one.

"I'm hoping upon hope Ferrari get back to where Ferrari should be, which is challenging for the world championship, and the same with Red Bull."

"It depends an awful lot on how Ferrari perform.

"If they don't show they can win the championship, unfortunately - or fortunately depending on where you are - we're going to have a Mercedes dominating again.

"Having said that, maybe Nico, after three wins [at the end of] last year, he's going to be in form.

"Maybe he has suddenly got a bit more confidence in himself, so let's see.

"If those two [Hamilton and Rosberg] are challenging each other, it will be good."