Lewis Hamilton said he headed into F1's summer break aware that his lead in the world championship might not last for long.
Many pundits are predicting that the reigning champion now looks set for a third consecutive world championship, having raced to a 19-point lead over teammate Nico Rosberg at Hockenheim.
But while Rosberg is on schedule with his engine usage in 2016, Hamilton said he is aware that he will need to use a sixth Mercedes V6 this year, thereby incurring a grid penalty.
There is even speculation Mercedes will make use of the overtaking opportunities at the forthcoming Spa or Monza rounds by "doubling up" with a seventh new engine for Hamilton as well, putting him effectively last on the grid.
"I'm conscious that there's going to be at least one more race where I'm further behind and I don't know how much I'm going to be able to limit the damage," said the Briton.
"Now, the Red Bulls have picked up their pace and it might be difficult to get past them, to even get into the top five. I'm conscious of that," Hamilton added.
Due to these worries, Hamilton did not head into the August break thinking he was the clear championship leader.
"It's still not enough because I'm not a race win ahead yet," said the triple world champion. "I hope I'll be able to get a race win ahead and then I'll feel like I am ahead."
