Force India might not be able to mathemtically secure fourth place in the Constructors' Standings this weekend in Austin, but a good points haul should protect their position from rivals Williams and Toro Rosso, who sit 81 and 95 points behind respectively.
Should the Silverstone-based team outscore its nearest rivals in Austin, barring any miracles, fourth will likely be locked down with just four races remaining of the 2017 season.
Team boss Vijay Mallya is confident that will happen with the performance advantage they hold, having outscored Williams by 23 points in the last three races.
Related: Check out the latest Formula 1 Constructors' Standings
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
"The last few races have seen us take some significant steps forward with the performance of the VJM10," he said. "In Malaysia and Japan, we were the fourth fastest team and I’m confident we can remain there for the upcoming races.
"In Japan, for example, we finished over 20 seconds clear of the eighth-placed car, which is a big statement on such a technical track.
"It’s thanks to all the hard work in the wind tunnel, the factory, and trackside that we are sitting in a very strong fourth place in the championship with 81 points advantage to fifth place.
"The next race in Austin will be another opportunity to score well and consolidate our position."
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
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