Nico Rosberg has described Mercedes’ chance of securing the constructors’ title at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix as “phenomenal”.
The race in Sepang is the 16th round of the 2016 season and provides Mercedes with the opportunity to take the crown with five races still to go.
In 2014 and 2015, the team secured the constructors’ championship at the Russian Grand Prix with four and five races left respectively.
Malaysia – the home of the team’s title sponsor Petronas – is Mercedes’ first chance of the current season to take the title.
The Brackley-based outfit has scored 538 points and 14 wins so far, with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton separated by eight points in the drivers’ standings.
Mercedes is 222 points ahead of its nearest rivals Red Bull, with Ferrari a further 15 behind. If the advantage is 215 points by the time Mercedes leaves Sepang, it will take the title.
“It’s been another incredible year really,” Rosberg said. “Every time we think it can never repeat itself and be as good as that again, and yet we manage to do it again.
“And this year as well now, so early in the season we have the opportunity to clinch the constructors’ championship, which is phenomenal.
“Everybody’s done an unbelievable job. Very impressive.”
