Those who doubted Force India's ability to sustain its level of performance this season are left to "eat their own words" says team owner Vijay Mallya.
Despite its small budget, the Silverstone-based outfit continued to outperform its mid-field and richer rivals in 2017.
Stringent and efficient management coupled with the outstanding consistency of both Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon delivered to Force India another remarkable fourth-place finish in the F1 Constructor's standings.
"We set out to achieve third but landed up with fourth for the second year running," Mallya said, speaking at Sunday evenings' Autosport Awards in London.
"I had many sceptics who I advise to eat their own words and I hope it tastes good.
"I'm very proud that with our limited resource we've been able to punch well above our weight.
"Thanks to Otmar [Szafnauer, chief operating officer] and his leadership, [technical director] Andy Green, [chief engineer] Tom [McCullogh], [sporting director] Andy Stevenson.
"I have a great team of racers, with racing in their blood and who know how to make the most of what we have. We never give up.
"The targets for 2018 will be set high again and we're ready for our competition."
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