Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that the squad’s 2017 Formula 1 titles have been its hardest fought in the sport, as it claimed both championships for a fourth successive campaign.
Mercedes dominated Formula 1 from 2014 to 2016, having mastered the 1.6 litre V6 power units, but overhauled chassis regulations for 2017 brought rivals into play.
Mercedes battled with Ferrari for much of the campaign but pulled clear after the summer break, aided by the Italian marque’s issues, and clinched the Constructors’ crown in the United States.
Lewis Hamilton followed suit a week later in Mexico, wrapping up his fourth Drivers’ title, and third with Mercedes, with Wolff labelling the titles as its hardest fought.
“This year was quite definitely the most difficult to manage,” said Wolff.
“That was because Ferrari raised the bar, and then Red Bull came into the game as well.
“As a team, you are always in a more comfortable situation when you know that it is one of your two drivers who is going to win the championship.
“Obviously, it is not always easy keeping the rivalry within the team in check, but it was far removed from the struggles of this year.
“I'm very proud of the first one in 2014, because we were so keen to win it. But this one was the most hard fought of all.”
Wolff also heaped praise on Hamilton, lauding the progress the Briton has made throughout the season, after missing out on the 2016 title to then team-mate Nico Rosberg.
“I've been working with him for five years now, and I've never seen him operate at such a high level,” Wolff said.
“The raw pace is spectacular. He understands the tyres and the ability of the car which, at times, hasn't been easy to drive.
“I haven't seen such a sustained performance on that level before.
“After a difficult moment in Abu Dhabi last year, we had a long evening in my kitchen, during the course of which we aired all the frustrations and issues that had grown over the years and got them out of the way.
“I think that we both felt a sense of relief, and that was when the relationship went to the next level.
“He went off into the winter break, and he came back with a great mindset. He has grown stronger over the year.
“The relationship with Valtteri [Bottas] is also an important factor. We have a great spirit within the team. That was an important piece of the jigsaw.”
