Mercedes executive director Paddy Lowe says the team is striving to ensure “fair competition” between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as they battle it out for the 2016 Formula One title.
After wrapping up the Constructors’ championship last month, Mercedes is poised to add a third consecutive Drivers’ crown since only its duo remains in contention.
Rosberg enters this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix with a 19-point lead over his team-mate, who has suffered several setbacks due to the German manufacturer’s less than perfect engine reliability this year.
“The Drivers' Championship is getting very exciting with only two races to go,” Lowe said. “That's the big focus of everyone's thoughts and, as usual, we will do our very best to treat this as a normal race - approaching the weekend with the highest levels of discipline and an overriding objective to ensure we provide both drivers with the best equipment for a fair competition.”
Rosberg, who dominated the past two editions of the Brazilian GP, can seal the title by making it three consecutive wins at Interlagos on Sunday.
Hamilton, for his part, will be keen to break his duck at the historic Autodromo José Carlos Pace, having never tasted victory in nine attempts.
“Interlagos is a great track - quite a short lap, with a lot of elevation changes,” Lowe added, speaking of the popular venue. “Similar to Mexico City although not to the same extreme, São Paulo has slightly lower air pressure than the normal ambient, which has an effect on drag.
“The race weekend is also often affected by rain, which can make it an extremely challenging few days both on and off track.
“Another interesting feature of this circuit is the long run up the hill from the final corner to the first, which provides a good overtaking opportunity.
“It's not easy to pass there but it's definitely possible, which usually leads to close racing and some bold moves through that particular sequence.”
INTERVIEW: Fernando Alonso: Why F1 is no longer just for heroes
TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the Ferrari SF16-H
F1i Classic: Brazil 1991 - Senna's pain and glory
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
McLaren have always liked to do things quickly. But selling tomorrow’s car today sounds a…
Daniel Ricciardo may have closed the door on Formula 1, but it’s starting to sound…
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is bracing for fireworks when Formula 1 kicks off…
Max Verstappen has never been shy with his opinions, and his latest take on team…
There are many in Formula 1 - beginning with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll…
After a 2025 season defined by growing pains and technical pivots, Pierre Gasly is finally…