Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the intensity of last year’s title battle is “nothing” in comparison to the unfolding fight this year, with three teams scrapping at the front.
Mercedes, having dominated Formula 1 between 2014 and 2016, was challenged by Ferrari under revised regulations last year, though ultimately pulled clear to wrap up both titles with time to spare.
Mercedes has competed for victory at each round in 2018 but has yet to mount the top step of the podium, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel taking back-to-back wins and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo triumphant in China.
Wolff, whose squad nonetheless leads the Constructors’ race, says the competitive nature of this year’s fight makes last season’s battle tame in comparison.
“We know that we have a massive challenge on our hands,” said Wolff, with Mercedes in the midst of its longest win drought of the hybrid era.
“Last year, we were in a tough fight with Ferrari. However, it was nothing compared to the intensity of this year's battle.
“Both Red Bull and Ferrari will do everything they can to beat us. Their cars, their teams, their drivers – all of them operate at a high level and will continue to put us under pressure.
“Not everyone likes this kind of challenge – but we love it. Each member of our team joined this sport for these moments.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff said: “It’s the first time the event takes place in April, with completely different conditions to the previous years when we went in June.
“This is a demanding circuit where the drivers need confidence in the car to find the right rhythm – and you want to hit the ground running on Friday morning.
“Last year's race threw up a podium that nobody could have predicted and, as is the way with street courses, we can once again expect the unexpected.”
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