Toto Wolff: a happy boss and a team that is now a four-time world champion!
While waiting for the crowning of its British driver, Mercedes can already pop the champagne for its fourth consecutive constructors' title, clinched three races before the end!
The coronation was scheduled, Mercedes responded to the call of history. Lewis Hamilton’s victory combined with Bottas’s fifth place was enough to make Toto Wolff’s men happy.
« I am so happy. The gang in Brackley and Briworth did a fantastic job,” said the executive director as his first reaction on the Sky Sports F1 microphone.
We always have a great team spirit. We are committed to our values and passionate about what we do. In our team, the right group of people is in the right place. And this with the right resources and also the right mindset!
Obviously, the Austrian leader had a special thought for his spearhead, winner for the ninth time in 2017 in Austin.
Lewis is really at the top right now. Since this summer, he hasn’t made any mistakes! He is fast on Saturdays while knowing how to manage his tires on Sundays.
But there is not only Hamilton in life. There is also a team of 600 people gathered 110 kilometers northwest of London. And a few big names.
« It is above all the effort of a whole group. I do not forget people like Paddy (Lowe) and Ross (Brawn) who contributed to past victories. Everything has been done to make our car fast and reliable.
And this year, we must thank James Allison, one of the creators of the W08.
« James has been vital for this season’s campaign. And on top of that, it’s like he’s my twin brother! He’s so different but we share the same values. It’s just fantastic to work with him.
» Team Mercedes awesome again this year! Congrats for an epic performance & such an early constructor’s championship win. Happy for you all! 🏆— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) October 22, 2017
At the zenith?
It is not yet time to think about it. But Formula 1 works in cycles. The challenge is to understand when the end of an era can occur. With the rise of Ferrari and the resurgence of Red Bull, there is no guarantee that the future will still be rosy for Mercedes.
« There have been some good years with a slight advantage on the power unit. Now, the big teams have narrowed the gap. For example, you can see where Red Bull is at the end of this season! This is a new reality and it will continue until the end of this season, and certainly during the next one!
»
If you want a simple difference between us and Ferrari, look at this season. It has been incredibly tight. The margin between the cars is played out in fractions of a second. This explains why the championship has been fluctuating at the top.
On the sidelines of these congratulations, its most beautiful jewel also wanted to react on the podium. At the microphone of Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton had a word for his team.
« A big job for the team on site and at the factory. They all worked so hard. They have once again been the best team this year. It’s a beautiful lesson in humility. »
LIVE: Wow, just wow… FOUR time WORLD CHAMPIONS!! 🍾🍾#4TheTeam #USGP @F1 pic.twitter.com/667m8WUhff
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 22 october 2017
