Mercedes out to prove a point in Abu Dhabi

Toto Wolff says the disappointment of the Brazilian Grand Prix will ensure Mercedes head to Abu Dhabi this weekend with a point to prove at the end of another title-winning campaign.

The Silver Arrows have secured a sixth straight title double in 2019 – setting a new all-time F1 record – but the second half of the season has seen renewed challenged from Ferrari and Red Bull.

Max Verstappen won at Interlagos, with Valtteri Bottas retiring through mechanical failure and Lewis Hamilton classified seventh.

The drivers' champion had finished third on the race track, but was penalised post-race for a collision with Alexander Albon, which had followed a late pit-stop under a safety car, putting pressure on Hamilton in a two-lap dash to the chequered flag.

Recent performances have raised the prospects of Mercedes' dominance finally falling in 2020, so Wolff wants to make sure a statement is sent out at the end of this season.

"Brazil was a disappointing race for us. We did not have the fastest car on track and we lost a lot of points owing to our own mistakes," Wolff said.

"We analysed what went wrong, both in terms of our reliability and our decisions during the race, to make sure we don't repeat them. It was a good learning experience for the entire team and something that will make us stronger in the long run.

"The underperformance in Brazil means we head to Abu Dhabi with a point to prove. Yas Marina has been a good circuit for us in the last years and we'll push hard to continue in the same way.

"The race is one last opportunity for us to add another victory to the record of the W10 and it's one more chance to put on a great show for the fans before the winter break. We're looking forward to the fight because we know that in Formula 1, you're only as good as your last result."

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