Mercedes’ Toto Wolff insists both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will have another shot at winning the title in the years to come, so if they lose out next week, they shouldn’t dwell on the matter for too long.
The pair will go head-to-head next weekend for the title decider in Abu Dhabi in a season-long battle which can be ranked among one the best in the sport, but it’s a battle that will rage on in future according to Wolff who compared it to that of Niki Lauda and Alain Prost.
“Of course, there will be bitter disappointment for one of them and great joy for the other,” Wolff said. “While it won’t be apparent to them at the time, both have long careers ahead of them and they have proven their credentials for the years to come.
“You only have to look back to such great battles as that of Lauda and Prost in 1984 to see what can be achieved. This was the last title for Niki, who won that year, and Prost was defeated in that battle. But he then went on to win four Championships before he retired.
“A top driver always has the ability to engineer another opportunity and both our boys have proven themselves to be just that: top drivers.”
With one race left, Wolff says it’s up to Mercedes to ensure they give each of their drivers a fair shot at winning the title and that means no reliability issues or strategic mistakes.
“It is now down to us to ensure that this fascinating year concludes in the right way by giving Lewis and Nico a platform to settle the title purely on the track.
“It is fantastic for the sport to have such a finale in what has been one of the great seasons of Formula One. I for one cannot wait to watch the race in Abu Dhabi and I’m sure those at home feel the same. May the best man win!”
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