The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team has claimed the FIA Formula One Constructors’ championship for the sixth time in a row, following a strong result at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Valtteri Bottas won at Suzuka, with Lewis Hamilton crossing the line third, while also claiming an additional point for the fastest lap. Since only Hamilton and Bottas can still mathematically win the Drivers’ title, Mercedes will become the first team in F1 history to win both titles six times in a row.

“When we embarked on the journey six or seven years ago we wanted to win races more regularly and then fight for a Championship – and now, six years later, we win our sixth Championship in a row. We never thought this would be possible and I’m incredibly happy for everybody who has been a part of this journey,” said team principal Toto Wolff.

Right now, Mercedes holds a 179 point lead over Ferrari in the standings, a lead that the Scuderia cannot overturn with only four races still left on the calendar. However, on paper, Hamilton could still lose the Drivers title to his teammate, given the 64 point difference.

“I’m so happy for the team – what a great result! Six consecutive double titles is an amazing achievement that has taken a long time and a lot of hard work. It just shows the strength and depth through and through for the team and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of Mercedes history,” stated Hamilton.

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The reigning F1 world champion still expects the next four races to be very challenging for his team, given Ferrari’s speed advantage – although that might lead to some very exciting racing.

“I think we can expect the next races to be very challenging; Ferrari still have a straight-line speed advantage which makes it very hard to qualify ahead of them, so we have to outrace them, but I think that makes it really exciting for the spectators,” he added.