WORLD CHAMPIONS
Mercedes dominated Formula 1 since the introduction of the 1.6-litre turbo hybrid engines in 2014 .
The team have won 47 of the 55 races held since and Sunday ’ s win in Japan was their 15th from 17 races this year .
Only Ferrari , McLaren , Williams and Red Bull have won three or more titles in a row , with the Italian outfit the only ones to achieve the feat twice .
Whether Mercedes can carry on their winning run into next year will depend on how they adapt to sweeping rule changes being introduced in as from next season .
Cars will feature wider tyres and bodywork , in changes aimed at making them faster and more exciting to drive which could shake up the current order .
Mercedes have been against this , arguing that allowing the current rules to mature would result in a convergence between teams and lead to closer racing .
“ It ’ s what we always said ,” team boss Toto Wolff told reporters . “ But then somebody else decided to invent something new for next year then it ’ s back to square one , I guess .”