Mansell: British drivers can win title

Speaking on stage at the Autosport Awards, Mansell said he believes that the two British drivers are good enough to take the title challenge to the likes of Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya.

"Between both of them, they are going to bring the World Championship back to Britain," said Mansell. "They are both doing a great job. Jenson - go out there, get the monkey off your back by winning a race and then you can go on and do better. And David, you've still got what it takes."

But Mansell did not let the two British stars escape without a few jokes - as he jested about their winter training schedules.

"It is just incredible," smiled Mansell. "I have got a bit of advice for Jenson and David - they need to eat a good meal.

"I was sitting down there watching them and thinking, 'You are really lean'. But pay attention - try and win some races and don't worry so much about not eating so much."