Mercedes boss Toto Wolff reckons the battle with Ferrari and Red Bull will continue to "intensify" as Formula One enters the European part of the season.
After the first four flyaway races of 2018, Lewis Hamilton sits four points clear of Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' championship. While Mercedes is in a strong position in both championships, Ferrari has held the upper hand in terms of performance, in particular in qualifying trim.
"The first four races indicate very strongly that we will see the three-way battle continue and -- if anything -- intensify," Wolff said. "We're hoping that this year's Spanish Grand Prix will be a good race for us, but we know that it will be tough.