Mercedes improves understanding of W08 performance swings - Wolff

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Japanese Grand Prix

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the German outfit has greatly improved its understanding of its car following the Asian leg of the world championship.

While Lewis Hamilton has built himself a comfortable 59-point lead in the drivers' standings, winning four of the five last races, Mercedes has struggled to understand the inconsistent performance of its 'diva ' car as it was labeled by Wolff.

The team's has improved its knowledge of its 2017 charger recently and aims to apply what it has learned in the upcoming races, starting next weekend in Austin.

"Since we began the final flyaway leg of the season, we have seen a strong points swing in our favour in both championships," says Wolff in Mercedes US GP preview.

No complacency as Mercedes figures out 'diva' car

"Good fortune has played its part, of course - and we have put ourselves in the right position to make the most of the opportunities that have come our way.

"But nobody within the team is allowing those good results to disguise the challenges we have faced.

"We returned from those races with a lot more understanding of our car and of the reasons for the performance swings we have experienced this season.

"Some of that understanding is already being applied to the final races, some of it will flow into next year's project.

"But the bitter taste of our defeat in Malaysia once again confirmed that the tough days are the ones when you learn most - and when you lay the foundations for future success."

Despite Hamilton's advantage in a title which could possibly win as soon as next weekend, Mercedes remains focused on the road ahead and isn't taking anything for grandted.

"Still four races to go and 100 points to score: we can take nothing for granted as we fly to Austin this week," Wolff adds.

"We approach every race with a healthy dose of scepticism rather than wishful thinking, and our focus must be on making sure we score every point within our reach this weekend in Austin. "

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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.