Perez and Bottas ready to support their leaders

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Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will offer their respective teammates all the support they may need, depending on circumstances, in Sunday's showdown in Abu Dhabi.

With Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tied for points, the outcome of the championship will depend entirely on the two drivers' running order at the end of the race at Yas Marina.

But that doesn't preclude either driver's wingman from having a crucial role in the proceedings.

Furthermore, the battle for supremacy in the Constructor's standings remains open, although Red Bull will require a massive points haul to overcome its 28-points deficit to Mercedes in the championship.

But as far as supporting Verstappen's title bid, Perez says his team and himself are ready to fight.

"I think at Red Bull, everyone is up for it," Perez said on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.

"We've come this far now, and this final race can decide a lot of things. I think the Constructors' is a longshot, but it still is possible and in the sport, anything can happen.

"Max is equal on points with Lewis. It's [the title] a massive thing for the team. We feel like we can do it, and we can do a lot to support Max to get this title."

In the opposing camp, Bottas says he'll be first and foremost focused on his own performance this weekend.

"My approach to the weekend, again, [is] just to really, really focus on my performance," he said.

"Of course, I will try to qualify on pole position, that's my goal for Saturday, and then I will try to win the race."

Read also: Hamilton and Verstappen 'don't want to see the stewards' on Sunday

But if circumstances dictate that he support his teammate or defend Hamilton's track position in the race, he will step up to the task.

"It will depend on the situation because Lewis... he doesn't actually need to win the race. He needs to finish ahead of Max. That's how it goes," added the future Alfa Romeo driver.

"Let's see how it goes. But I'm definitely willing to play it as a team, because I've secured my third place.

"As long as we can get the Constructors', hopefully then... I'd rather have my teammate win than the opposition, so it will depend on the situation, but he's got my support."

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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.