Mercedes: "We have outperformed Red Bull on a circuit where they were stronger"

Positive points for Mercedes

In the Mercedes Debrief Mercedes strategist James Vowles looks back on the Mexico Grand Prix. Despite the defeat the team suffered here, there are plenty of positives. "We outperformed Red Bull on a circuit where they were stronger," Vowles refers to the qualifying session in which Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton were on the front row of the grid. "So you can see that every team is on the edge and you have to pull out all the stops to get the result you need and there are plenty of opportunities."

"The positive that we can take out of it is that in the last few races, even on circuits that may not suit us as much, we can still be there," the Mercedes chief remains positive. The fact that Hamilton finished second at a circuit that in principle is less suited to Mercedes was also a nice boost.

Battle with Red Bull not over yet

With four races to go the championship can still go either way, as Vowles sees it. "This championship, and believe us we've had points backlogs before, isn't over until it's over. One DNF from ourselves or Red Bull can change the championship completely and in the end the points difference is minimal."

He therefore believes the battle will only be decided in the final race. "We will keep fighting until the end and I am sure that in Abu Dhabi it will remain so until the chequered flag." Moreover, Vowles sees the team becoming closer and closer. "The drivers are also working more together than I have ever seen. It's a close-knit team, a team that has only one goal in mind - to win both championships."