Mercedes has clinched Formula 1’s Constructors’ Championship for a record-extending eighth straight season.
Lewis Hamilton ended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in second place, missing out on the Drivers’ title to Max Verstappen.
However his podium finish, as well as team-mate Valtteri Bottas’ drive to sixth, ensured Mercedes remained out of reach of Red Bull Racing.
It overturned a deficit that at its worst stage reached 44 points, following Red Bull’s fifth straight victory in Austria.
Mercedes’ current streak began back in 2014, when Formula 1 switched to 1.6 litre V6 power units, and it dominated the first three years of that era, losing just eight races in that timeframe.
It faced a renewed threat from Ferrari upon the introduction of revised aerodynamic regulations in 2017, at times relinquishing the lead of the standings for the first time since the opening round of 2014.
But it kept hold of its title, seeing off Ferrari once more in 2018, before pulling clear of its rivals again in 2019 and 2020.
Mercedes’ 2020 success ensured it broke the record of consecutive titles and in keeping hold of its crown for 2021 it extends that streak to eight years.
Mercedes’ 2021 title means it draws level with McLaren on eight world titles.
It leaves Mercedes behind only Ferrari, on 16 titles, and Williams, on nine, on the all-time list.
The entry previously claimed Constructors’ honours in 2009, when it operated as Brawn Grand Prix, prior to Mercedes’ takeover for 2010.
Lewis Hamilton has been with Mercedes for all eight Constructors’ titles – the most with which one individual driver has been involved – while Valtteri Bottas was present for five years, following Nico Rosberg’s exit.
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