Will team orders prevail at Mercedes to help... Bottas?

©WRI2

The drivers' championship is done and dusted for Lewis Hamilton, but team mate Valtteri Bottas still has a shot at finishing second.

The Finn is trailing Sebastian Vettel in the standings by 15 points, but with two races remaining, the runner-up spot is still up for grabs.

"Yes, it is possible," the Finn told the C More broadcaster in Brazil.

"The difference is 15 points and 50 points are still available, but it requires some good races in the next two weekends.

Bottas determined to move out of Hamilton's shadow

"Of course it's not the same as fighting for a championship, but second is always better than third. Especially for the team, first and second is better than first and third."

In a twist of intra-team irony however, Bottas may require some cooperation from Hamilton in Brazil and Abu Dhabi. Will team orders come into effect at Mercedes?

"It depends on the situation," said Bottas.

"Lewis has his own ambition, just like any other driver, so he wants to win the races even if his championship is safe.

"I'm not expecting anyone to completely ruin his race for me, so as I said it all depends on the situation."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.