Wolff - 'Odds very much against' Hamilton

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes 'the odds are stacked against' Lewis Hamilton in his quest for a record-breaking eighth F1 title despite his recent resurgence.

By his own admission, Wolff claims "the outlook was grim" following a Mexican Grand Prix from which Hamilton emerged with a 19-point deficit to Max Verstappen after the Red Bull driver's victory.

But a rousing performance across the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend followed by a commanding display at the last race in Qatar has cut the deficit to eight points and left Hamilton seemingly in the ascendancy.

Wolff, though, insists that as "a finance person" he works on "probabilities", which has resulted in his synopsis that Hamilton faces an uphill task to retain his crown.

"The probabilities are the odds are against us," assessed Wolff. "It's very simple - we need to win both races. This is the simplified summary."

Wolff feels there remain "a lot of risks" involved with the final two grands prix in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, although is grateful to simply be in the hunt.

"Winning a race is not only down to the fastest car and the fastest driver but reliability has a massive influence," said Wolff. "That is just the essence of motor racing.

"In summary, we never imagined we would be playing for the championship at this stage of the season.

"But we've had two fantastic race weekends and we just need to have more in order to fight for this championship."

Asked whether he felt the battle was over after Mexico, Wolff replied: "We never give up but after Mexico, the outlook was grim, again from a sheer probability standpoint.

"It's much better here, we have it in our hands, which is super-exciting and also fun, and obviously, we know the pressures that come with that.

"I very much hope it goes all the way to Abu Dhabi because that means we have a chance to win it there and it is best man and best machine wins, and whoever wins merits the win."

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