Sir Jackie Stewart is backing Fernando Alonso to have the edge over Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari this season – providing he does not let the Finn get under his skin.

The battle of the former world champions is one of the more intriguing duels to be played out this Formula One season that gets under way in less than seven weeks’ time in Australia.

Alonso and Raikkonen officially began their partnership on Saturday with the unveiling of Ferrari’s new challenger for 2014 – the F14T.

Questioned as to who he expected to win the fight ahead, threetime world champion Stewart said: “Probably Fernando. He’s probably got the best toolkit up here (tapping the side of his head).”

However, when asked whether Alonso might begin to have an issue if Raikkonen proves to be as competitive, Stewart said it is a possibility. “He will. He’s still Spanish,” added Stewart. “If he allows Kimi to upset him….because the one thing I learned is emotion is the most dangerous thing you can have.

“Look at what happened when it was announced Kimi would be going to Ferrari – he (Alonso) rushed straight over to Red Bull and saw the team principal ( Christian Horner ). That wasn’t going to gain anything.

“Kimi is cooler. He is also a mature, almost cautious driver now. But look at the results he’s had, the podiums. He’s done that because he is consistent.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Mercedes’ new look car will display a message of support for seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, who remains in a coma following a serious skiing accident last month.

The bodywork of the W05 model will display the words “KeepFightingMichael,” which has been used as a hashtag on Twitter for fans to send their messages of support to the German.