Wolff predicts 3 way title battle

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is expecting a “three-way fight between us, Ferrari and Red Bull” and believes it will be tough for Mercedes to retain both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2018.

Wolff believes that reliability will be the main focus for the teams this year, with rule changes meaning only 3 engines can be used during the season.

He said: “The reduction in the number of power-unit components means that reliability will again play an important role in 2018.

“Our reliability in testing looked good but we need to be careful to draw any conclusions from that.

“Despite getting some good mileage in Barcelona, many of its components have not even come close to the life they need to complete during the season.

“It will be a tough journey, with the same target, but different challenges to master along the way.

“A new season feels like climbing Mount Everest – we’ve done it successfully in the past, but we’re only in the base camp at the moment.

“We have to give it everything to be successful again this year.”