Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has stressed that the manufacturer will continue to give equal opportunities to both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in this year’s Formula 1 title fight.
Mercedes wrapped up its sixth successive Constructors’ Championship success at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, securing the crown with four rounds to spare.
The result also ensured that a Mercedes driver will be crowned Drivers’ champion for a sixth straight year, with Hamilton currently leading Bottas by 64 points.
Wolff accepted that Bottas remains a firm outsider but insisted the Finn will be given every opportunity to fight Hamilton until the title is decided.
“I think we have to stay true to the values that we have defined in the past, and always play the most fair game,” said Wolff.
“You can see how difficult it is sometimes like [in Japan], but I’m keen to see them race.
“Valtteri is very much an outsider with the points, 64 points. That’s two and a half wins. We will give them equal opportunity and it’s for them to race it out on track.”
Mercedes matched Ferrari’s record by wrapping up its sixth straight title in Japan, and Wolff dedicated the triumph to Niki Lauda, who was an integral part of the team until his death in May.
“Each of the championships felt very special for different reasons,” he said.
“This one again, is so special because it’s not always easy to reinvent yourself at the beginning of the year and set objectives that motivate everybody – and then embark on the long season.
“Niki is being missed, and therefore the sixth one, beating the record that was set by Ferrari 15 years ago, is extremely special.”
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