Toto Wolff says the 2027 F1 season has already started, as far as he is concerned, after Mercedes wrapped up the constructors' championship at Interlagos.
Heading into the São Paulo Grand Prix, the German marque needed to outscore Ferrari by just three points to secure a ninth title, and its first since 2021.
With George Russell and Kimi Antonelli coming home fourth and fifth, respectively, and Ferrari settling for eighth and ninth from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the Brackley-based team was able to cap off a campaign that never really looked like it would end without the crown.
But despite the dominant start to the year, which saw the team win the opening six grands prix, the competition has caught up.
Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have all won multiple rounds and whilst Mercedes has doubled its tally to 12, there is a clear disparity when comparing the subsequent 14 events to the unbeaten streak to commence the season.
Heading towards winter, it is something Wolff is acutely aware of, even if the changing levels of competitiveness amongst Mercedes' three rivals aided its title bid.
"Look at the last few races; we haven't won," the team principal told media, including RacingNews365.
"At the beginning of the race, Kimi was just storming away; it looked like this could be ours.
"But the competition has been getting tougher. With Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, and ourselves, it's four teams that can win races and will be challenging for a world championship."
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Questions Wolff wants answers to
Anticipating a tricky title defence, Wolff's stance is that the final three rounds of the year are all in preparation for that challenge.
It has left the Mercedes boss with multiple questions he wants answers to.
"I have no doubt that it's going to be very difficult for us next year. So for me, the 2027 season has started now," he added.
"It is about learning in the last three races. What is it we can optimise? What didn't we spot when we put the upgrade on the car?
"What is it we can learn to attack these last three races full blast, whilst also making sure that we have the learning for next year's power unit and next year's car?"
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Samuel Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil! Max Verstappen’s simply staggering recovery from 21st on the grid is a key talking point, as is Ferrari’s current power unit struggles.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
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