Formula 1 motorsport director Ross Brawn says Lewis Hamilton is the reason for much of Mercedes' ongoing run of success.
A sixth straight double championship is already guaranteed in 2019 as the German manufacturer secured the Constructors' title in Japan and either Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas will be crowned Drivers' champion.
That achievement even surpasses Ferrari's remarkable run which saw them claim six teams' championships between 1999-2004 but only five drivers' crowns with Michael Schumacher,
And Brawn realises the significance of what Mercedes has done.
“Much of this success is down to Lewis Hamilton, an amazing driver who is rewriting the history of this sport in a manner all his own,” he said following the Japanese Grand Prix.
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“It’s always difficult to establish how much is down to the car and how much to the driver, but in the end, for me, it’s the team that counts the most.
“Formula 1 is a team sport and even if the driver is the star of the show he cannot win without a team behind him.
“Mercedes has reached a higher level than its rivals and so far has been almost untouchable.”
The domination that the team had for the first half of 2019 has since faded with Ferrari matching Mercedes since the summer break.
And the former chief at both teams warned that, eventually, their run must end.
“Without wishing to be the bearer of bad tidings, sooner or later the wind changes,” he claimed. “It’s the law of the jungle in every sport.
“But no matter what may come, the achievements of the men and women of Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart will always be in the history books.”
