How Mercedes can seal the F1 2018 constructors’ title in Brazil

Mercedes stands on the verge of winning a fifth consecutive Formula 1 constructors’ world championship title in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Mercedes has so far dominated the V6 hybrid era, winning every single drivers’ and constructors’ championship title on offer since 2014.

Lewis Hamilton ensured he kept up the German manufacturer’s 100 percent record of drivers’ titles as he wrapped up his fifth world championship at the Mexican Grand Prix to equal Juan Manuel Fangio’s tally.

Now it is Mercedes’ turn to win a fifth title since its return to F1 in 2010, a feat it is poised to achieve at Sao Paulo…

What Mercedes needs to do

Mercedes currently leads Ferrari by 55 points with a maximum of 86 left to play for in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, meaning the reigning world champions need to be 43 points clear at the end of the 71-lap race to secure the title.

There are a number of various permutations that would be too long to list, so simply put, Ferrari must outscore Mercedes by 13 points or more in Sunday’s race to keep the title fight going to Abu Dhabi. Even in that scenario, Mercedes would remain clear favourites at the 2018 season finale.

Hamilton will line up from pole position ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas on the Interlagos grid and if the order was to remain that way at the chequered flag, Mercedes would be crowned champions. Ultimately, a Mercedes victory will put the title beyond Ferrari's reach. 

How are the nerves?

Despite its seemingly comfortable buffer, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff remains wary of unforeseen circumstances spoiling the party, such as a repeat of its disastrous double DNF in Austria.

Mercedes also struggled for performance at recent races in Austin and Mexico, resulting in the team conceding 23 points to its closest rival.

“The battle with Ferrari is so tough, it's like a boxing match,” Wolff said.

“Every time you land a punch, they come back with another, and we have to keep fighting for every result.

“We are OK in the constructors’ but we just need to bring it home. A DNF is not allowed because the gap is not large enough so it’s just about not dropping the ball.”

Winning the constructors’ title means a great deal to Mercedes, given it is the championship that determines how the prize money is distributed among the 10 competing teams.

Such an achievement would see Mercedes surpass Red Bull’s clean sweep of titles between 2010 and 2013 to become just the second team after Ferrari (2000-2004) to win five consecutive world championship doubles.