Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has emphasised that the squad is not daunted by the challenge it faces in Formula 1 from Ferrari this season.
Mercedes claimed a 1-2 finish in both Australia and Bahrain, marking the first time a team has started a season in such a manner since McLaren in 1998.
It has given the team a 39-point advantage over Ferrari, though its opponent displayed strong pace in Bahrain, locking out the front row of the grid and leading comfortably until Charles Leclerc’s car suffered an engine glitch.
“Two races into the 2019 season, it may seem like we're in a strong position,” said Wolff.
“We have 87 points, just one below the maximum score. But the Constructors' standings do not tell the full story.
“The truth is that we weren't as quick as our direct competitors throughout qualifying and the race in Bahrain.
“The Ferrari was considerably faster on the straights and this added up to several tenths around one lap.
“Nevertheless, the saying goes that "in order to finish first, first you have to finish" and the combination of solid performances from the team, reliability of our systems and a strong drive from our drivers secured us the 1-2.”
Mercedes has claimed both world titles in each year of Formula 1’s hybrid era, stretching back to 2014, and Wolff insists his team is motivated by Ferrari’s renewed pressure.
“The challenge we are facing doesn't daunt us – it's uplifting,” he commented.
“We will keep pushing to extract the maximum performance from our package to deliver the best race we can.
“We will try and exert pressure, maximise our opportunities and keep working hard to develop our overall package.
“We've seen exciting races so far this season and we're looking forward to the next fight in Shanghai.”
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