Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commended Charles Leclerc and Ferrari for their exemplary sportsmanship during the intense competition for the second position in the 2023 Formula 1 constructors’ championship, a showdown that unfolded until the final lap at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.
The contest for the second position in the constructors’ championship became a nail-biter in the closing stages of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. At that crucial moment, Charles Leclerc maintained his second position, leading Sergio Perez, who carried a five-place grid penalty.
The potential shift in favor of Ferrari depended on the Mexican surpassing George Russell for third place and building a five-second gap. In an effort to assist Sergio Perez in securing a five-second advantage over the Mercedes man, Charles Leclerc strategically allowed the Mexican driver to pass by utilizing the DRS (Drag Reduction System).
Despite Charles Leclerc’s tactical move, the desired outcome did not materialize, as the British driver remained within the five-second margin, securing Mercedes’ hold on the second position in the championship.
When reflecting on the intense battle in Abu Dhabi, Toto Wolff expressed his thoughts: “It was a great end for the fight for P2. George’s driving was exceptional. I think Charles at the end was sportsmanlike behaviour, not trying to slow down. Two great teams, two great friends that fought to the end. I was not stressed. I was stressed once in my life in F1 and that was here a couple years ago. It was a fight for P2. In a way, super positive for us as a team and for many employees as a reward to be vice-champion but it also reminds you that it’s P2.” – the Mercedes boss pointed out.
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Despite Mercedes trailing significantly behind Red Bull, Toto Wolff characterized securing the second position as “a day that gives you the feeling of a victory.”
“At the end, we are racers. This day feels like you’ve won and that’s great. We’ve got to be happy about that but also as a racer you just want more, but today we won.” – the Mercedes team principal concluded after the final round of the 2023 Formula 1 championship.
