While their Ferrari rivals have stumbled and staggered, Mercedes have found a higher gear as has their star driver Lewis Hamilton and are now on verge of another double title haul - ten titles in five years - with four rounds remaining in the 2018 Formula 1 World Championship.
In the wake of a one-two at the Japanese Grand Prix, Mercedes now lead the constructors' championship by 78 points while Hamilton has a 67 points advantage over Vettel with a maximum 100 up for grabs.
It was also the Briton's 71st grand prix victory, his fifth in Japan, fourth at Suzuka and ninth of this season which now puts him within touching distance of his fifth world title. Formality springs to mind...
It's now a matter of WHEN rather than IF they clinch the titles, many predicting the business will be done long before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
On Sunday, savouring his latest triumph, Hamilton told The Times that the secret of their success was to win the battle of mind games, “Mental stability under that pressure."
And explained how this year's campaign has gone beyond track limits, “One cannot always perform the same. It is a psychological battle and war that we are in and collectively it comes from everyone."
"Everyone puts in 100 per cent and has delivered time and time again. I am grateful to have delivered. We’ve gone from strength to strength as a team this year."
"Austin is generally a good track for us and I can’t wait to unleash this beast there,” said the world champion of the next venue on the calendar - the United States Grand Prix - where he sealed the deal in 2015, his third title at the time.
While Vettel and Ferrari tripped up when they were in positions of strength, Hamilton and Mercedes have not out a foot wrong since he embarrassed the Reds on their home turf at Monza.
Hamilton explained, “I have always been able to go head-to-head with the guy you compete with and see who breaks earliest. Who falters is the ultimate challenge."
How Hamilton can win his fifth world title at the United States Grand Prix:
- If he wins and Vettel is third or lower;
- If he is second and Vettel is fifth or lower;
- If he is third and Vettel is seventh or lower;
- If he is fourth and Vettel is eighth or lower;
- If he is fifth and Vettel is ninth or lower;
- If he is sixth and Vettel is 10th or lower;
- However, if Hamilton is seventh or lower the fight goes on to Mexico.
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