While congratulating the Mercedes Formula 1 squad for fourth consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ world titles Niki Lauda has warned of an “eve🦹n more difficult” challenge ahead in 2018.

Despite seeing a Ferrari resurgence this season Mercedes stormed to both world championships with races to spare, sealing the constructors’ in the Unit﷽ed States followed by Lewis Hamilton’s fourth drivers’ crown in Mexico, enabling an early focus switch to its 2018 preparations.

Mercedes is bracing for a similar step up in develop from its rivals next season and even though the German manufacturer has repeated its sentiment of relishing th🧸e battle, Non-Executive Chairman Lauda is already wary of the challenge ahea🤡d.

“This ye♋ar was the most difficult one so far and next year it will be even more difficult, but I trust the team 100%,” Lauda said during the teams’ title celebrations. “For the fourth time in a row I'm in the fortunate position to say thank you✅ to the entire team.

“20𝄹17 has been a challenging year because of the rule change. A rule change always means uncertainty; no one knows what the other guys are doing. We started with a difficult car, but the team was able to consistently impro🐬ve it throughout the season, which was the key to winning the championships.

“The team did a fantastic j♏ob and Lewis did a fantastic job. I'm really proud of everyone, it's an incre♊dible achievement.”