What Mercedes need to wrap up record F1 title in Portugal

Mercedes has its first opportunity to seal a record seventh consecutive Formula 1 constructors’ championship at this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

A dominant 2020 season has provided the German manufacturer with the chance to score match point for the first time, having taken nine wins from the opening 11 races as well as every pole position on offer so far.

But to wrap up the constructors’ title after just 12 races and with five rounds to spare would require circumstances to fall heavily in Mercedes’ favour.

Mercedes currently holds a 180-point advantage over Red Bull with 220 left up for grabs after the Portimao race, meaning the reigning world champions would successfully retain the teams’ title again on Sunday providing it outscores its nearest rival by 40 points.

With a maximum number of 44 points available the 220 mark is achievable, but only if Mercedes finished first and second and took the fastest-lap bonus point.

Should Mercedes record a fourth 1-2 finish of the campaign at the Algarve circuit, Red Bull would need to score at least five points to delay the celebrations for at least another week.

A 1-3 would also be sufficient for Mercedes in a scenario where Red Bull failed to score any points.

The prospect of winning the title with five races remaining for the first time in its history is an unlikely one, particularly when considering that Mercedes has not outscored Red Bull by 40 points or more at a single event for four years.

A more realistic scenario is that Mercedes will clinch the constructors’ crown at the following race at Imola on November 1 with four rounds to go.

Such a feat would see Mercedes surpass Ferrari’s previous achievement of winning six titles in a row from 1999-2004, a benchmark the Brackley-based squad equalled last year.

It also appears a formality that Mercedes will set an unprecedented record of seven straight double world championship triumphs this season, with Lewis Hamilton heading teammate Valtteri Bottas by 69 points in the drivers' standings and 83 clear of Red Bull's Max Verstappen.