GPI 2016 Japanese Grand Prix | Page 102

FEATURE Mercedes dominated Formula 1 since the introduction of the 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engines in 2014. The team have won 47 of the 55 races held since and Sunday’s win in Japan was their 15th from 17 races this year. Only Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Red Bull have won three or more titles in a row, with the Italian outfit the only ones to achieve the feat twice. Whether Mercedes can carry on their winning run into next year will depend on how they adapt to sweeping rule changes being introduced in as from next season. Cars will feature wider tyres and bodywork, in changes aimed at making them faster and more exciting to drive which could shake up the current order. Mercedes have been against this, arguing that allowing the current rules to mature would result in a convergence between teams and lead to closer racing. “It’s what we always said,” team boss Toto Wolff told reporters. “But then somebody else decided to invent something new for next year then it’s back to square one, I guess.”