Paddy Lowe feels it is perfect for the championship to go down to the wire with a record breaking twenty-one races in the season, but admits there is more tension within the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team as a result.
Nico Rosberg leads Lewis Hamilton by just twelve points heading into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Executive Director (Technical) Lowe feels its great for the fans that the championship battle is heading to the end of the season.
“This is the first time we’ve had a 21st race in any Formula One season and it’s fitting that such a record-breaking year should conclude with the Drivers’ Championship being fought right to the very end,” said Lowe. “It’s great for fans of the sport.
“Of course, it also means significant tension within our particular camp – but the team has shown itself highly adept at managing this type of situation over the past few years. We will approach this weekend as we would any other, with the primary objective of ensuring that the title is decided on track in a fair fight.”
Lowe feels that despite a few hiccups on the way, mostly on Hamilton’s side of the garage, the 2016 season has been the most reliable yet for Mercedes.
“While there have been occasional issues over the course of the year, 2016 has actually seen the strongest reliability record in the history of this team – both technically and operationally – giving us good faith in the underlying progress that we’ve made,” said Lowe.
“The drivers too are in great shape, so we’re looking forward to a close and hard-fought competition.”
Lowe is hoping for a great end of the year and a close battle for the title between his drivers, with the team aiming for win number nineteen of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“Pirelli have included the UltraSoft compound tyre for this weekend, so we could well see Qualifying times faster than ever before at this circuit,” said Lowe. “All in all, we’re hoping for a spectacular finale under the magical setting of those Marina lights, giving everyone something to remember as we cap off an incredible year.”
