'There's tension, but we'll manage it', says Paddy Lowe

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As Mercedes prepares for the Abu Dhabi showdown between its drivers, tech boss Paddy Lowe admits that tension is ramping up but is adamant the German team will manage things efficiently.

On the eve of the ultimate battle of 2016, Nico Rosberg currently leads team mate Lewis Hamilton by 12 points, and Lowe insists that Mercedes' priority is seeing that the title if fought fair and square out on the race track.

"This is the first time we've had a 21st race in any Formula One season and it's fitting that such a record-breaking year should conclude with the Drivers' Championship being fought right to the very end. It's great for fans of the sport," says Lowe.

"Of course, it also means significant tension within our particular camp - but the team has shown itself highly adept at managing this type of situation over the past few years.

"We will approach this weekend as we would any other, with the primary objective of ensuring that the title is decided on track in a fair fight. "

Indeed, should a mechanical issue hamper or prevent either driver in the Mercedes camp from fighting for the title, it would obviously provide an unsatisfactory conclusion to the season.

But Lowe remains confident that reliability gremlins will be kept out of the mix.

"While there have been occasional issues over the course of the year, 2016 has actually seen the strongest reliability record in the history of this team - both technically and operationally - giving us good faith in the underlying progress that we've made.

"The drivers too are in great shape, so we're looking forward to a close and hard-fought competition. Pirelli have included the UltraSoft compound tyre for this weekend, so we could well see Qualifying times faster than ever before at this circuit.

"All in all, we're hoping for a spectacular finale under the magical setting of those Marina lights, giving everyone something to remember as we cap off an incredible year. "

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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.