Lauda expects tougher year for Mercedes in 2018

Niki Lauda has heaped praise on Lewis Hamilton and the entire Mercedes team for their efforts and successes in claiming the constructors' and drivers' championships this season, but has warned that 2018 will be a more difficult campaign for them with Ferrari and Red Bull gearing up for the challenge.

Mercedes secured the constructors' championship in the United States Grand Prix while Hamilton became champion of the drivers with two races to go following his points gained at the Mexico GP.

This week at the Mercedes headquarters, celebrations went under way for the two victories, and Lauda was in attendance in his role as non-executive chairman.

"For the fourth time in a row, I'm in the fortunate position to say 'thank you' to the entire team," said the F1 legend at the event in Brixworth.

"2017 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.

Lauda did not mention other direct competitors by name, but warned that next year will be a tougher campaign. Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari led Mercedes for the first half of this campaign only to suffer bad results over the Asian leg of the tour, while Red Bull continue to make strides to becoming a real force, with young prodigy Max Verstappen gaining plenty of plaudits for his performances.

"We started with a difficult car, but the team was able to consistently improve it throughout the season, which was the key to winning the championships," he continued.

"The team did a fantastic job and Lewis did a fantastic job. I'm really proud of everyone, it's an incredible achievement.

"This year was the most difficult one so far and next year it will be even more difficult, but I trust the team 100 per cent!"