Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Driver and Team Reaction
The 2016 season has now ended and we have our World Champion – Nico Rosberg. Here’s the reaction from drivers and teams after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
RedBull
Max Verstappen – 4th
“Im very pleased with my result today and how the race went. After being last at Turn 1 and having to fight my way through and doing it all on a one-stop was the best we could do! I am happy that we managed to pull this off.”
“I knew I was going to come under attack from the two-stop guys as they obviously had more life left in their tyres and I don’t think I could have held Seb (Vettel) off at the end.”
“When you still finish in front of guys who did an extra pit stop – you’ve got to be pleased with that result.”
“It was an unfortunate start – the tap at the beginning which caused the spin and it was just a racing incident though – these things happen.”
“I think Lewis (Hamilton) was trying to hold us back and I would have probably done the same being in that position – you have to try these things to win a championship.”
“I’m very excited to get next year underway and hopefully bring more success.”
Daniel Ricciardo – 5th
“I don’t want to be too down as I’m still fifth – I’m just frustrated in the strategy and how it all played out in the end.”
“We had the supersofts at the start and it was all going pretty well – we tried to make a move on Kimi (Raikkonen) but we didn’t pull it off and that really hurt me.”
“Hts off to Nico, it must be an amazing feeling to be a World Champion – they both pushed each other until the end and it’s nice to see the title go down the line like that.”
“Looking at the season overall, I am super happy with how this year has gone – it’s been more highs than lows this year with a lot of podiums and satisfying races. I got amongst it when I could so I think it was a good 2016 for sure.”
“I’m not going to get too caught up thinking about next year but if we woke up in February for testing and that car’s quick then you’ll see me fighting for it – the title.”
Christian Horner – Team Principal
“Congratulations to Nico Rosberg on becoming a very worthy World Champion following an exciting race in Abu Dhabi today.”
“It always looked likely that Lewis was going to drive the slowest possible race should he be in the lead and that’s exactly what happened.”
“Unfortunately, our race took a bit of a knock at the start with Max spinning round at the first turn and dropping right to the back of the field.”
“The recovery from him was quite phenomenal using the best of the supersoft tyre to make a one-stop feasible.”
“He fought right to the end but he didn’t have enough left in his tyres to fend off the challenge of Sebastian Vettel who was on fresher tyres however, it’s a great result to finish in P4.”
“Daniel had quite a big lick up into the first turn which gave him a big flat sport during the first stint and although he managed to undercut Kimi (Raikkonen) on his second sting, he spent most of the afternoon tucked under someone’s rear wing and that gave the tyres a hard time.”
“It’s been a great season for the team – we’ve worked tremendously hard and finishing second in the Constructor’s Championship with two victories has been an incredible achievement.”
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the team for their effort, their commitment and support this season. To thank RedBull and all of our partners who support us so well and to also thank our engine partner and the hard working team at Viry.”
Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel – 3rd
“I think this was an important race for us today in the final laps. I would have liked to gain two more positions because the speed was there but it was difficult to make the move because the car in front also benefitted from a tow.”
“Nevertheless, we were on the podium and as a team we deserved this – I hope it gives some momentum to all of us. It’s been a tough year with a lot of up’s and down’s so I’m very happy with this result.”
“Ferrari deserves a comeback, the spirit is unbroken and I know that we will work hard to get Ferrari back to where it should be.”
“All in all, we learned a lot, we made a lot of progress and today – it’s Nico’s day, well done to him. I don’t think he won the championship by luck, it’s a sign of respect to give him this and he is a deserving champion.”
Kimi Raikkonen – 6th
“It was not an easy race for me. The car was pretty OK but I suffered with the tyres to make them last.”
“I was constantly trying to keep the fronts alive and after the start I was in a good position but I struggled with the first set of soft. At the end of the stint, they came back and improved but we kept losing places.”
“When Seb (Vettal) came close to me, I knew that he was on a different strategy and I let him go.”
“Obviously this year has been very tricky and far from what we want as a team but lately, things have been improving and we have been working hard and doing the right things.”
“We need to keep working this way and hopefully next year, with the new car – we’ll be where we want to be.”
Maurizio Arrivabene – Team Principal
“This podium finish is a boost to the motivation for the whole team. For the people back home who have been working so hard since the summer, for the ones at track this year who never gave up.”
“It’s clear that we did not reach the targets which we had set ourselves yet this last race shows that something is moving in the right direction.”
McLaren
Fernando Alonso – 10th
“The race was good fun but difficult as well. There wasn’t really much I could do against the Force India’s and the Williams’ but I fought until the last lap and got quite close so I’m happy with the point we scored today.”
“Pleased also that we have secured our positions in the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship.”
“Overall, this season has been positive. We’ve shown the big progress compared to 2015 but we still want more – we want to win the world championship and there’s still a long way to go before we can achieve that.”
“We have a long winter ahead of us and I’m sure that we’ll make a huge effort in order to arrive in Australia with a more competitive package.”
“It’s a shame that Jenson’s final race came to an early end but he’ll still be around next year and he’ll be a huge assets for us in his new role.”
“Finally, I’m very happy for Nico (Rosberg) – he’s had a fantastic season and he deserved to be champion. He always believe in his possibilities and he managed to drive to his advantage perfectly. Both he and Lewis did a great job but it was time for Nico to win this year – Lewis has three titles already!”
Jenson Button – DNF
“A suspension component failed on the car – I had a failure on the right front and I’m glad I was able to figure it out before I hit the brakes.”
“It’s always been a massive strength of our team and components rarely fail but today – of all days, it did which is just unlucky.”
“Nonetheless, I enjoyed today massively. My race was short but I loved everything else. I was really emotional before I got into the car and it was such a special atmosphere to have the whole team, all my friends and family cheer me on my way into the garage – I’m just glad that I’m wearing my sunglasses at the moment.”
Eric Boullier – McLaren Honda Racing Director
“Fernando drove faultlessly to 10th place today earning us a single point. Without wishing to detract from yet another strong drive from him – today was all about Jenson as far as we were concerned.”
“I’m sad and sorry that his race ended in suspension failure but having said that, the minor placing he thereby lost will mean little to him in what I gather from my British colleagues is called the grand scheme of things.
“His McLaren record speaks for itself – eight Grand Prix wins, some of them utterly superb and seven great years in which he won the hearts of McLaren’s staff and fans alike.”
“On behalf of all of us – JB, we salute you!”
“Next year of course, he’ll still be around and assisting us in many ways but our racing cars will be Fernando, arguably the greatest racing driver in the world today and Stoffel Vandoorne – whose potential is limitless.”
“The optimal blend in a Formula 1 driver line-up, I challenge you to name a better pairing than our duo in 2017.”
“I want to pay a tribute to our fans – you are the best int he world. Your faith and loyalty are a constant inspiration to us all and I thank you for your devotion.”
“Finally, may I offer the congratulations of all of us to Nico Rosberg – crowned a fine season with the World Championship in Abu Dhabi this evening.”
The Formula 1 Girl 🙂
xx