Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says life in F1 was "more enjoyable" as an underdog than as the dominant force.
Since the introduction of new power unit regulations at the start of 2014, Mercedes has been by far the strongest team, winning 24 of the 28 races since the start of last season, including 17 one-twos. However, in an interview with the official Formula One website, Wolff says there is less enjoyment being in such a position.
"It is clear that you have a more enjoyable - and nicer - life as the underdog," Wolff said. "But the situation that we have now is something that we in some ways expected. We’ve seen this with previous title-winning teams. Red Bull is a good example - or Ferrari in the early 2000’s - and it is something that you have to be aware of, as it is hard to ignore.
"As a team you need to take your brand and the way it is perceived seriously, but then the number-one objective is winning. And we can’t compromise on this target."
Wolff points to his first season at Mercedes - when Red Bull comfortably took its fourth championship double - as a year when he enjoyed F1 more.
"We were the underdogs when I started here in 2013. In that season we very much felt like the ones with some serious catching-up to do - and I also had that role at Williams back in 2012 and before. So I can definitely tell you it is the happier life. But would I trade that for success? Probably not."
Click here for a lighter look back at some scenes from the British Grand Prix
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