Wolff: Mercedes still on track to win both championships

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Early season challenges have taken nothing away from Mercedes' target of winning both the Drivers and the Constructors' championships, says team boss Toto Wolff.

After three seasons of utter dominance and a big regulation change, the German manufacturer is no longer alone at the helm of F1, joined by Ferrari while Red Bull isn't far behind.

But Wolff knew at the outset that 2017 would likely call Mercedes' supremacy into question.

"It was clear to all of us that 2017 would be a very different season to the three that came before," says the Mercedes boss.

"Then, we had the luxury of a performance advantage to the rest of the field, which meant our two drivers were fighting for the title between themselves.

"For this year, the rules were changed to reset the competitive balance across the field. And it worked.

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"For the first time ever, the champion team has maintained its status as a pacesetter after a big rule change and we are proud that we laid down that marker.

"But that is now history. We have been joined by Ferrari and also Red Bull as the season has developed.

"This is the new reality we are racing in now and we are open-minded enough to adapt our approach to those new circumstances."

Regardless of the intensity of its battle with Ferrari, Mercedes' ambitious targets haven't changed, insists Wolff.

"Our targets remain the same as they were before the first race: to win both championships.

"History has shown that the fastest car usually brings you the drivers' title; and the best and most consistent driver pairing wins you the constructors'.

"So the priorities are clear: we must keep bringing performance to the car at every race - and keep racing without mistakes to maximise our performance potential at every track.

"The motivation and determination in the factory are greater than ever. Hungary showed the strength of our team - and we intend to use the second half of this season to prove that strength."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.