Mercedes desperate to avoid technical failures - Lauda

Mercedes is determined to ensure the 2014 title is decided in Abu Dhabi by events other than a technical failure. Team boss Toto Wolff has already said that given the unpopular double points system for the championship finale, it would be a "nightmare" if Lewis Hamilton loses to Nico Rosberg because the British points leader breaks down.

The German outfit is remaining impartial for the decisive round of the drivers' intense title battle. "For me, both are now world champion," team chairman Niki Lauda told the German broadcaster RTL. "I have seen two Alpha males, top athletes at the very highest level."

Lauda denounced Bernie Ecclestone's double points system as "stupid", but said Mercedes is determined that the title is at least decided through a fair sporting outcome. "Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe and myself have done everything possible to provide both drivers with the same conditions," said the F1 legend, "so that technical problems do not decide the race."

"We have looked at every part of the car and engine and tried to shorten the life of the parts. Wherever we can, we have installed the newest components possible. If there is still a technical problem," Lauda concluded, "then it is not something that we could have done anything to prevent." (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,566
  • Podiums 133
  • Grand Prix 234
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (41)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar