Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has tipped Felipe Massa to win the world championship this year thanks to seven times champion Michael Schumacher's help from the sidelines.

In an interview with Bild newspaper, Ecclestone was asked who he thought would win the championship this season and picked the 25-year-old Brazilian.

"Massa and Ferrari," said Ecclestone, 76. "Ferrari appear to be incredibly strong, they're going to be in front.

"Schumacher was already a sort of 'team manager' in the past. He'll be a big help for Massa this year."

Schumacher, the most successful Formula One driver, retired at the end of last season while defending champion Fernando Alonso moved from Renault to McLaren.

Massa will partner Finland's Kimi Raikkonen during the 17-race season, which begins in Australia on March 18.