Wolff: Pressure is on to ensure the battle is decided man-to-man

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff is adamant that, despite wrapping up their third consecutive F1 constructors' title in Japan, his team has work to do to ensure a level playing field as their two drivers battle for the drivers' title in the remaining four rounds.

Speaking ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Wolff said, "The title is purely between them, which is fantastic news for the team as we can be happy whatever the final outcome.

"However, the pressure is on to ensure that their battle is decided man-to-man, and hopefully wheel-to-wheel, on the race track.

"Last week was a fitting way to mark a great achievement by the hundreds of men and women who made this triple Championship a reality," said Toto Wolff.

"But that was last week. We now look only forwards and our priority over the coming weeks is to give both our boys the best possible chance of winning the remaining four races."

"We may already have celebrated our Championship success as a team - but we have a responsibility to the drivers and will not let anything distract us from the job at hand.

"Likewise, we have an entirely new challenge to prepare for in 2017. While we savour these moments, it's going to be a long, hard winter ahead.

"There is much work to be done in the coming weeks and months - but also plenty of excitement on the way I'm sure," added Wolff.