With the confidence of having four consecutive double title-winning seasons behind them, Mercedes won’t be too concerned about their disappointing start to 2018 just yet.

Victory for Sebastian Vettel in Australia and Bahrain has seen Ferrari become the first team other than the Silver Arrows to win the opening two races of the campaign in the hybrid era.

Computer glitches and grid penalties haven’t helped Mercedes’ cause, but there’s no question their Italian rivals are deserved leaders at this stage.

Ferrari are already ten points clear in the constructors’ standings, while Vettel boasts a 17-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton.

Mercedes can ill afford to fall further behind in either regard – and Toto Wolff knows it.

"The competition is extremely close in 2018 and Melbourne was already a strong reminder that there is absolutely no margin for imperfections or mistakes in this year's title fight,” he said, per Sky Sports.

While it seems unlikely the German team will allow their rivals to run away with it, former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer believes the reigning champions are far from invincible.

Speaking to BBC Sport about Daniel Riccardio’s aggressive driving style, the 27-year-old claims Bottas’ contrasting approach is letting him down.

"I feel Bottas has the reverse effect in F1 at the moment," he said.

"Yes, he's had a few scrapes, most notably with countryman Kimi Raikkonen.

"But he's seen as something of a soft touch in wheel-to-wheel fighting. Drivers are throwing moves down the inside of him that they wouldn't try on Hamilton.

"They know Bottas would rather let them through than risk a crash.

"Bottas is an incredibly talented driver. But if he is to really take the fight to those around him, I feel he needs a bit more bite in the heat of battle."

The Finn’s less than combative nature has cost him in the past, namely at last year’s United States Grand Prix where he lost to out to a typical Ricciardo pass.

If Bottas really is developing a reputation as being something of a pushover on the track, could it hurt Mercedes’ chances of retaining the title?