Whilst the sport anticipates the (hoped for) improvements by Ferrari, Renault and Honda, it should not be forgotten that Mercedes will not be standing still. Far from it.

Though Ferrari, in particular, is seeking to close the gap to the world champions, Mercedes is continuing with its own development programme as it seeks to extend its winning streak and further enforce its dominance of the new hybrid formula.

Speaking to the media at the manufacturer's Brixworth facility, engine guru Andy Cowell uttered the words that will strike fear into the hearts of the opposition... and many fans.

"We've made some huge gains in the last few years as we have done the development," he told reporters. "We have made good gains over the past two years of racing and I don't see that stopping. I don't think anybody here sees that we have reached the limit.

"Where we are at today with our thermal efficiency is mind blowing when you step back and look at it," he enthused.

Revealing that the Mercedes unit was delivering in excess of 45 percent thermal efficiency in 2015, Cowell claims the progress this year could be as significant as that between 2014 and 2015.

"It will continue to go up," he said. "Does it get harder to find gains? Yes it does. But there are lots of areas where small gains will come. It is a bit like gold mining, you work bloody hard, you get lots of dust and now and again, you get a nice big nugget that makes you smile. We are still finding those nuggets.

"Thermal efficiency is going up, from where we were in 2014 we took a good step up for 2015, and perhaps it is going to go up in 2016.

"It is definitely going to go up in the future as well," he added, "because nobody has said that we have reached the limit. When I walk around the factory I never hear people say that is the best we can do, that is optimum."

However, he admitted that the opposition is making progress, and that Mercedes cannot afford to rest on its laurels.

"If we look at what Ferrari has done over the last twelve months, it's remarkable," he admitted. "Their improvements have been a huge credit to their reshuffle and their enthusiasm.

"Everybody here is going 'I wonder how we're going to do?' Nobody is assuming we are going to win, everybody here is assuming that we're going to get beaten by Ferrari.

"Honda is a big threat," he added. "They have come in quickly and they are learning in front of the public but they're hugely determined and partnered with McLaren who are hugely determined. We know exactly how McLaren work in terms of a data-driven approach, so they are going to make some big, big gains.

"Renault's determination as well, as they've shown by being a lot more involved now in F1, instead of just being a power unit provider there has been a team restructuring. There are going to be some great stories to talk about."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Jonno, 07/02/2016 20:38

"A team with good drivers, a great engine and pretty good chassis. Sadly, they are let down by their race management. I hope we don't see any repeats of the nonsense we saw at Monaco, they won't need that with Ferrari running right behind.
"

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2. Posted by Willie, 07/02/2016 2:55

"No one seems to comment on the roadholding of the Mercedes, but their cars are clearly better than the other marques who use their engines. It ain't just the drivers!"

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Mercedes has made "huge gains"

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