Mercedes rivals fear Brazil GP procession

After Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas dominated FP1 and 2 in Brazil, rivals of the Mercedes duo expressed their concerns that the race will be a non-event, such was the team's dominance

Hamilton and Bottas finished first and second respectively in both sessions, leaving their rivals in their wake as they look to end a hugely successful season in style.

Sebastian Vettel, who finished fourth, three tenths off the pace, expressed his frustration as his car struggled to match that of the Mercedes duo.

"It will be difficult to match Mercedes," said Vettel.

"They look very quick in all conditions and on all tyres and then it's very close between us and Red Bull.

"Car-wise, we can fine-tune the balance and that should help us get the pace up for qualifying and also for the race."

Daniel Ricciardo frustrated his third place will be pushed 10-places down the grid due to a penalty, echoed Vettel's sentiments, adding:

"Mercedes still has a bit of pace over everyone at the moment.

"The car was behaving relatively well, so a few small changes tonight but nothing too big. We are in the fight with Ferrari at the moment."

Max Verstappen was more confident of putting up a challenge in Sunday's race but even he was forced to admit that his Red Bull car will need some amendments in order to match the pace of the Mercedes.

The young Dutch driver stated:

"I think the Mercedes is quick but if we can make some improvements then we are there or thereabouts.

"Our car for the last few races has definitely been the quickest car. We just need a bit more top speed. I think the car itself is pretty good.

"The pace on the soft, it seems like Mercedes is very quick. We know that they are normally a bit harder on the tyres so maybe that's why the soft works quite well for them. There's still some improvements to make."