Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes chief Toto Wolff sends F1 title warning
MERCEDES chief Toto Wolff has warned that every team is a threat as Lewis Hamilton goes in search of his sixth F1 world title in 2019.
Lewis Hamilton sends 'positive vibes' ahead of F1 season
Mercedes launched the car for the new season after a superb 2018 that saw them win their fifth constructors’ championship in succession.
And Wolff says Hamilton and the team need to beware of their rivals as they go in search of more glory.
"Every team can have a shot at the title and we're seeing all of them as a potential threat," he said.
"There is absolutely no feeling of entitlement to be at the front.
“The regulations have changed quite substantially. We have to start from scratch.
“We need to prove ourselves again - against our own expectations and against our competitors."
Hamilton will race alongside Valtteri Bottas for a third successive season and Wolff believes he will push Hamilton all the way in the title race.
“Valtteri knows he has the full backing of the team to succeed,” he said.
"He's excited to get back in the car and show his critics what he can do. We had a good chat after the break.
"He was in a good place and has been able to fully reset after a season that was not always easy for him.
“He was refreshed, he's extremely hungry, and he wants to start racing again.
"I'm really looking forward to a strong competition between the two of them [Bottas and Hamilton].
"Racing each other hard and fighting hard against our rivals."
Hamilton says he is fully focussed on retaining his title as he looks to close the gap on Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of seven world crowns.
"2018 was a great year, but I feel like 2019 can be even better," the Brit said.
"I want to achieve more. I want to continue to keep pushing."