Toto Wolff says that the winter in preparation for the 2018 season is less stressful than it was twelve months ago. Last year, F1 was preparing itself for a major aerodynamic rule change, while Mercedes also had to find a replacement for Nico Rosberg.

"It's definitely less stressful than last year," the Mercedes boss said. "But who knows what's coming in the next few days. You never know what Lewis is thinking," he laughed

Hamilton has been making headlines recently after he deleted all of his social media content. Despite the increased press, Wolff remains happy with Hamilton, who wrapped up his fourth drivers' title in 2017.

"His performance was unbelievable and he does not lack motivation even after four championships. I feel like he's seeing that Michael Schumacher's seven titles are within reach and we'll do everything we can to give him the car to do that," he said.

Wolff also commented on Niki Lauda's decision to quit his role as an F1 expert for German TV: "It was a very personal decision and his role on the Mercedes supervisory board had nothing to do with it," he said. "But the good thing for us is that he now has more time, although in the past he was always the first into the paddock. When Niki gets to the motor home, the cleaners are normally still at work."

Fergal Walsh