Mercedes won't give team orders: 'Hamilton doesn't need it'

With Russell's win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mercedes has secured its first victory this season. A welcome change for the team which started this season relatively poorly, although it was certainly notable that it was not seven-time world champion Hamilton who took the win but new acquisition Russell.

For Hamilton, this means Abu Dhabi is his last chance to win a race this season. Indeed, a remarkable record is at stake for him: since entering Formula 1 in 2007, Hamilton has won at least one race every season. That puts him on a par with Michael Schumacher. So should Hamilton fail in Abu Dhabi, he will lose the opportunity to become the sole holder of that record.

Hamilton need not count on team orders

Wolff indicated, however, that the team has no plans to actively help Hamilton hold that record. "I think Lewis doesn’t need any prioritisation, and it’s not what he ever would want," Wolff said. So there will be no team orders from Mercedes to let Hamilton pass should Russell drive in front of his teammate again.

"I think that he mentioned before that this record of winning a race in every single season, that is less of a priority for him," Wolff continued. "It’s more that we’re getting the car back to where it can be, and we’re racing for more race victories next year, and hopefully a championship."