Toto Wolff has stressed that “freak incidents” can still derail Mercedes’ and Lewis Hamilton’s quest for the 2018 title, in spite of its substantial buffer in both championships.
Hamilton has won the last four Grands Prix – leading Valtteri Bottas for a 1-2 in both Russia and Japan – to open a 67-point advantage over Sebastian Vettel in the Drivers’ battle.
Mercedes, meanwhile, now holds a 78-point buffer back to Ferrari as it bids to claim its fifth straight Constructors’ crown.
“The freak incidents happen everywhere,” said Wolff.
“A DNF and the consequent bad result suddenly wipes off a large chunk of your points.
“I know from the probable standpoint it doesn’t look likely, but this is motor racing, it’s a sport, anything could happen.
“I don’t want to even think about him [Hamilton] breaking a finger.
“Anything can happen in motor racing. I don’t want to dwell too much about it, because this is bad karma too, so let’s just get it done — let’s go to Austin, let’s have a strong race weekend and then hopefully see the championship.”
Wolff added: “Every race we are lucky enough to be in the lead, we need to decide who goes onto the podium.
