Wolff insists the pressure is still on at Mercedes

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the German team won't be backing off in the remaining couple of races of 2017, despite securing both F1 championships.

Mercedes wrapped up the Constructors' title in Austin while Lewis Hamilton secured his fourth crown in Mexico, but the achievements have left the Silver Arrows squad's will to win intact.

"It might be tempting to think that, with both championships now secure, the pressure is off for the two remaining races of 2017, but that couldn't be further from the truth," said Wolff.

"Inside the team, we are looking at the next two race weekends as the first two Grands Prix of 2018.

"We have two races that we are determined to win in order to take that positive momentum into the winter.

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"There will be no backing off just because the championship business is now done. In fact, these next two races speak to every principle that makes us what we are.

"We aspire to excellence in everything we do, from the first lap of the winter shakedown in Silverstone to the final lap of the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

"And every time we race, we race to win. That is the mind set we take to Sao Paulo."

Wolff insists that Hamilton's focus on victory will also be as sharp as ever in Brazil, while Valtteri Bottas' momentum is building once again.

"Lewis is operating at the peak of his powers right now, and will be determined to add another victory to last year's success," he added.

"Valtteri made a promising step forward in Mexico and will aim to build from this at Interlagos. As recent rounds have shown, winning Grands Prix is never easy.

"Red Bull have taken two victories in the past four races and, although we have claimed the other two, Ferrari remain formidable opponents.

"With the championship now settled, the battle for 2018 has already begun."

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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.