Mercedes have been exceptional but there is an element of cashing in on the work of the departed Ross Brawn. The current honchos do leave some things to be desired, and they don't seem to command the respect of the drivers that Brawn did. If they continue to perform at this level next year, I think it would be even more impressive.
I am not a fan of Toto, and I suspect Nikki isn't either but I think he is a good administrator, communicator; even in foreign language, a subtle control freak, a clear and quick thinker punching above his academic qualifications and to be fair, it is very difficult to "cash in" and maintain such an impressive level of team management and performance over the entire season as they are sure to do. Having said all that, I think he is a Nico man and I think his language might have been completely different if Nico is achieving what Lewis is doing.
He is worth listening to because if you carefully read between the lines of what he says, it provides a window into Mercedes board thinking more than what Nikki reflects which is his personal opinion - mostly and lastly, looking up and down the paddock, I do not see any team with superior management capability that beats the Merc team.
I expect Merc to do well for years to come under his management - even if I am not a great fan of his.
Edited by femi, 12 October 2014 - 18:44.