Wolff wants Mercedes to stay 'humble' and forget past achievements

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is expecting his team to start 2018 with a clean slate and leave behind any sense of fulfillment or complacency linked to its past achievements.

The Silver Arrows outfit remained undefeated in 2017, for the fourth consecutive season, despite a robust challenge from Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel which lasted until latter part of the season.

Wolff has warned his troops in both Brackley and Brixworth that the fight will continue in 2018, and humility should prevail.

"I think we have a good organisation in place and somehow the wheel rolls now, but having said that you must never underestimate any of the competition," the Austrian manager told ESPN.

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"It can go super quick and suddenly you are on the back foot and the car is not as good as the others and we have seen that with Ferrari how quickly they can turn it around [the other way] from a so-so season to a world championship challenger in 2017.

"So I think it's important to stay humble, forget about your own achievements.

"We are taking all the stickers off the doors here saying we have won the championship because in 2018 it all starts from zero again."

Formula 1 sporting boss Ross Brawn recently designated the Mercedes team, whose foundation Brawn built between 2010 and 2013, as his favourite once again for the title in 2018.

"Well, Ross needs to blame himself partly for that!" Wolff answered mischievously.

"He set the initial cornerstones in place back in 2012 when the team struggled a lot, with hirings such as Aldo Costa, and they were down to him.

"He has a problem now, he's on the other side and he needs to make sure there is more teams winning."

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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.