Mercedes’ rivals must now count the German team as a serious contender, Nico Rosberg has said after winning his first grand prix in China last weekend.
Shanghai was also the scene of the 26-year-old’s first pole and the first works Mercedes victory for over half a century, but Rosberg warned that the W03 is not likely to dominate from now on.
"It’s a really interesting season so far," he told Bild newspaper.
"Until now nobody has really known who is in front, and suddenly we are on top!
"But we can’t think that we will drive around everybody at the next race. We still have (tyre) problems in the race, that’s for sure, but the others also need to count on us now," said Rosberg.
"We are going to be fast in qualifying at all the races; that’s our trump card. And now we know that if we execute the race properly, then we can do it (win) again."