Toto Wolff rightly celebrated Mercedes' fourth consecutive F1 world championship but insists the achievement is only half of the job done for this year.

Lewis Hamilton's odds of clinching the drivers' title - perhaps as soon as this weekend in Mexico - have increased even more since last Sunday. But as long as it hasn't been secured, Mercedes season won't be considered as complete.

"Although the constructors' title is now secure, we are only halfway to hitting our objectives for the season," said Wolff in the team's Mexican Grand Prix preview.

"When we set our targets at the start of the year, it was to become the only team to win both championships across a major regulation change.

"We now have to complete that job with Lewis, who is in the best possible position with three races remaining.

"We know that anything can happen in this sport, and that the tables can be turned on you very quickly.

"So there will be no let off in our vigilance and attention to detail in these final rounds. We will be racing to win. "

Despite the favorable odds, Mercedes still isn't taking its advantage for granted, especially not at a venue which caters to high-downforce cars, one of W08's relative weaknesses this season.

"Our target may be clear - but it will not be easy to achieve this weekend in Mexico. This is an unusual circuit where the cars run at maximum downforce owing to the high altitude.

"Some of our most difficult weekends this season have come with the car running at maximum downforce, so we expect a tough and close-fought battle with both Ferrari and Red Bull.

"It will be important to be at the very top of our game if we want to get the job done."

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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.

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