Mercedes are battling it out with Ferrari for second place in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship as Lewis Hamilton prepares to go for glory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Toto Wolff has talked up the pace of Mercedes’ car as Lewis Hamilton and team-mate George Russell aim to secure second spot in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship.
In the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes fell behind rivals Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc coming in second and Carlos Sainz coming in ahead of both Hamilton and Russell. Mercedes leads Ferrari by just four points in the constructors’ championship, but Red Bull is guaranteed to finish first.
Wolff, the principal of the Mercedes team, is optimistic despite the outcome in Las Vegas. The Austrian set the bar high for the drivers on his team in remarks made prior to the season’s last race in Abu Dhabi.
“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was an incredible occasion,” Wolff remarked in Mercedes’ preview. “The race was amazing, visually stunning, and all around excellent; I’m sure it has contributed to the sport’s increased popularity in the US. Everyone who was involved deserves recognition for their hard work in making it such a success.
We were on track; it was a matter of “what might have been.” The car drove at a high speed. Lewis and George would have been serious contenders for the podium if there hadn’t been so many instances of contact. But in that instance, could have, would have, and ought to have apply.
“We’re prepared to give it our all in Abu Dhabi to win, as Ferrari has narrowed the gap with the Constructors to just four points. Although they have been in excellent form lately, we are aware that we haven’t raced to our full potential the last few times. It’s going to be a close battle, but hopefully we can end the season on a high note and in the lead.
After finishing seventh in Las Vegas, Hamilton is now guaranteed third place in the drivers’ championship, and Sainz and Fernando Alonso are no longer able to catch him. Prior to the race, the multiple world champion expressed doubts about the Vegas circuit; however, following the finish, his attitude changed.
“I’m really grateful that the race was so good, and I’m really happy to have had a positive race,” Hamilton said, overtaking Russell to claim seventh place following the latter’s time penalty. “I’m not sure how entertaining it was to watch, but there was a lot of overtaking. It was superior to Baku.
“I honestly didn’t think the track would be this amazing, but as I completed more and more laps, I found that I truly enjoyed racing. Many excellent opportunities to overtake. I believe Vegas disproved everyone who was so pessimistic about the weekend, saying things like “it’s all about the show,” etc.”
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