Reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton says “small, small percentages” will determine the outcome of the 2018 title race, with three teams now in contention.
Mercedes dominated Formula 1 in the first years of the hybrid era and resisted a renewed challenge from Ferrari under revised regulations in 2017 to retain both titles, the fourth straight season in which it achieved the feat.
Mercedes currently leads the Constructors’ Championship but has yet to win a race this year, with Ferrari taking back-to-back victories to open the season, and Red Bull triumphant in China.
“The others have definitely stepped up,” Hamilton is quoted by Sky Sports.
“We've made a step forward but they have made a bigger leap," he said.
“Coming to the end of last year, all the teams were a lot closer at the last race. It's always easier to catch up but to be pioneering, which we have been for the last four years, has been exceptional.
“It is small, small percentages that are going to make the difference.
“We are still the same team that has won in previous years. I think we really can battle out these guys.
“Now we have Red Bull at their best, or closest to their best, and Ferrari at their best.
“If we are able to pull through and deliver as we have in previous years it would be the biggest achievement this team will have accomplished.”
Hamilton remains out of contract at the end of 2018 but emphasised that he has no ambitions to compete for anyone but Mercedes next season.
"I'm fully committed to Mercedes," he said. "I have every plan to be with the team for the future so it is really about getting on with it.
“We were planning to do it after the last race but we had a lot on. I was not really around to meet – I had one day at the factory and then I was in China and then I was in the [United] States.
“We will do it in the near future for sure, but it's not a rush thing.”
