Christian Horner says it would be silly to rule Lewis Hamilton out of the world title race and the Red Bull boss insists the Mercedes star has the quality to bounce back to winning ways.

Hamilton has endured a torrid time both on and off the track over the past five grands prix and is now 33 points behind team-mate Nico Rosberg in the standings.

The defending world champion, who is aiming for a fourth title this year, last picked up a victory in Germany and his frustration has clearly showed in recent weeks.

He was forced to retire in Malaysia, when leading comfortably, after suffering an engine failure and could then only manage a third-place finish in Japan.

The 31-year-old’s actions in a news conference also sparked criticism as he was more interested in taking pictures on his phone than answering questions.

Rosberg certainly appears to have the mental edge on Hamilton and, with just four races to go, the title is almost in the grasp of the German for the first time.

However, Horner says it would be foolish to write the Briton off and insists there is still a long way to go before the season is done and dusted.

“Lewis has had quite a few tough weekends this year, but he will brush himself down I am sure and he will fight back,” he said. “He only needs that sniff of something.

A DNF for Nico and a win for Lewis, and he is right back in the game again.” Next up is the United States Grand Prix on October 23 and both Rosberg and Hamilton are priced at 1.10 to win the race in Austin.

Horner’s Red Bull will be hoping to continue their good run of form and their talented duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are both 1.80.