Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claims the dramatic result for his team on the streets of Singapore means nothing in terms of how the Silver Arrows will approach the remainder of the season.
After both Ferraris collided with each other on the first lap, it left Lewis Hamilton with an open opportunity to secure his 60th career victory and move 28 points clear of Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ championship.
With team-mate Valtteri Bottas also picking up third place, it also meant Mercedes moved to 102 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
“The result in Singapore doesn’t change anything in terms of how we approach the final six races, beginning this weekend in Malaysia,” said Wolff. “We will need to be at the top of our game on every track if we want to maintain our lead in both championships to the end of the season.
“The last race was a strong reminder that sport always has the power to surprise and defy all predictions. We have been on the receiving end of those bad moments before, and we know that they can happen as easily to us as anybody else.”
“The result in Singapore came as a surprise for us all – and the danger of a result like that is to misjudge your own level of performance.
“But within the team, our focus since finishing first and third has been on the painful moments of the Singapore weekend – why we struggled in the long runs on Friday and our lack of performance over one lap in qualifying – to learn as much as possible for the rest of the season.
“We have deepened our understanding of those problems and we will take that learning with us into the final races.”
Looking forward
With the final Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend, Wolff believes his Mercedes team can maintain its current form with the fast-flowing nature of the track likely to suit the characteristics of the W08.
“The weather conditions are challenging for the cars, the tyres, the drivers and the team personnel and can often complicate the overall picture; good reliability will be crucial in every aspect of our operations,” added Wolff.
“But it goes without saying that our target is to deliver a winning performance to mark the final Grand Prix at Sepang – and to build on the good momentum we have enjoyed since the summer break.
“Our record there in recent seasons has been mixed but the fundamental characteristics of the circuit, with its sweeping corners and long straights, should mean the car is well-suited to the circuit.”
