Lewis Hamilton has a potent combination of raw speed, hard work and experience that has given him the edge over team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
Bottas secured his first three Grand Prix wins in his maiden season with Mercedes, but was consistently outdriven by world champion Hamilton, who graced the top step of the podium nine times in all.
And while Bottas admits that the Brit had the advantage of knowing the Mercedes car much better, the Finn also recognised Hamilton’s commitment to the cause.
“I always knew that he’s really talented for sure, and he’s quick in any circumstances always – he just goes in the car and he’s very quick,” Bottas said.
“But that also comes from hard work, he works hard with the team.”
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Daniel Ricciardo has still not signed a new contract with Red Bull and remains committed to taking his time with the decision.
Ricardo has been on the Red Bull books since 2010, spending four years as a test and then race driver with Toro Rosso before graduating to the senior team in 2014.
But this coming season could be his last as his contract expires at the end of 2018 and Express Sport understands both Mercedes and Ferrari are interested in his potential availability.
Ricciardo is regarded as one of the grid’s very best drivers but has just five race wins in his 129 Grands Prix, and the 28-year-old has admitted that he cannot go on challenging for third or fourth place.
“I’ve still got years in this sport, but I’m not 23 or 24 anymore,” Ricciardo told Autosport.
“I’m still learning. I don’t feel I’m past my peak.
“The next contract I sign or next extension I do, they are potentially the peak years of my career.
“That next bit of paper I sign could make or break my desire in terms of whether I can fight for a title or not.”
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A Danish Grand Prix in Copenhagen could feature on the F1 calendar within the next three years after a series of positive meetings between Liberty Media and race organisers.
Liberty chief Chase Carey has been in Denmark to discuss the feasibility of the event as the new owners of the sport looking to break fresh ground and capture a new audience.
F1 has not raced in Denmark since 1962 but that run could reportedly come to an end as soon as 2020.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to explore a potential race here in Denmark,” said Carey.
“I think Copenhagen represents the type of location that we think can really provide a great platform.”
“Scandinavia has been a great part of our sport and having local drivers is always a plus.”
Denmark currently boasts just one F1 driver, Kevin Magnussen, although Finns Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen are two more that represent a rich racing tradition in Scandinavia as whole.