Hamilton: Mercedes will eclipse other teams with F1 success

Lewis Hamilton believes a sixth successive constructors’ world championship triumph at the Japanese Grand Prix would move Mercedes to the highest echelon of Formula 1.

Mercedes has the chance to equal Ferrari’s record of six consecutive constructors’ titles (1999-2004) this weekend at Suzuka, providing it outscores its chief rival by at least 14 points.

The German manufacturer is also on course to create yet more F1 history this season by becoming the first team ever to win six world championship doubles on the bounce, with Hamilton leading teammate Valtteri Bottas in the drivers’ standings by 73 points.

Asked where he thinks Mercedes would rank if the team is able to maintain its clean sweep of success during the V6 era, Hamilton replied: “Right at the top, if we do what we are planning to do.

“I think it’s been an incredible journey that we’ve had and so much work from so many people who have contributed, even with our partners who enable us to do what we do.

“I don’t know if you realise watching how much work goes on in the background because obviously most people tune in to the weekend and see the outcome of so much work, hundreds and hundreds of hours’ of work for one weekend.

“I think it just shows the strength in depth, the attention of Mercedes and Daimler as an organisation to continue to be a prominent and dominating figure in the motorsport and autocar industries. It’s pretty special and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Hamilton said he feels like 2019 has been one of Mercedes’ most challenging years yet despite its overwhelming achievements, having won all but five of the 16 races so far this campaign.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year, which people probably won’t appreciate just how hard it’s been for us all - it feels like it is increasingly difficult more and more each year,” he explained.

“Even though this looks like it’s been a more successful year for us it’s still extremely challenging, extracting everything from the car and the upgrades and pushing the team forwards in the right right direction. Staying ahead of the competition is not easy.

“Last year was incredible in Brazil to see how enthusiastic the whole team was, it was really special to see. After the last race, seeing how energised everyone was… Yes we’ve had a lot of success but that’s still there. That love is still there which is great.

“What I am hired to do is to bring in the points and help the team get the result and so I am very, very proud to be apart of it when I can come across the line and get that win.

“It’s very, very special and it kind of bonds you for life, that memory. It’s history as well, so it would be quite specular if we do it this weekend.”