Ferrari remain the clear favourites, former double champ argues.

Fernando Alonso has poured cold water on any suggestions that former team-mate Lewis Hamilton is back in the mix for Formula 1 glory, despite the latter's triumph in the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend.

That result has propelled Hamilton to the top of the drivers' standings for the first time since his victory in the curtain-raising grand prix Down Under in Melbourne back in March, and as he gets set now to return to the scene of his maiden success in the top flight - Montreal - the momentum certainly seems to be swinging back in McLaren-Mercedes' direction.

However, Alonso - who famously endured a fractious relationship with the Stevenage-born ace at Woking last season, despite recently insisting that he 'never had any problem' with the then young rookie who repeatedly stole his thunder during the course of a record-breaking debut campaign in the uppermost echelon - suggested this year's world championship showdown will be very much an all-scarlet affair.

"It is too early to say where the world championship is going," the Spaniard - who left McLaren at the end of last year to return to former team Renault, with whom he claimed both his world championship crowns in 2005 and 2006 - told radio station Cadena SER.

"The lead at the top of drivers' standings is changing hands after every race - even [Robert] Kubica in fourth place is just a stone's throw away.

"I see the favourites still as the two Ferraris, by a long way. I don't think Hamilton can win it."

The British star has moved three points clear of Kimi Raikkonen and four ahead of Felipe Massa in the title chase following his sublime performance around the narrow, tortuous streets of the Principality, and now sits equal with the pair of them on two victories apiece from the opening six races.