Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff admits a victory for Valtteri Bottas would the perfect way to end 2018 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It has been a full year since the Finn stood on the top step of a podium, leading teammate Lewis Hamilton over the finish line 12 months ago at Yas Marina.
He came close to taking the checkered flag on several occasions early in the season, but factors worked against the 29-year-old meaning he sits as the only top-six driver without a win heading to the finale.
“The championship pressure is off so we can look at this as one race where we can really go for broke,” said Wolff looking ahead to this weekend.
“Our Silver Arrow has won 10 races so far this season and we all want to add one more to that score – especially Valtteri, who has lost out on wins this season through bad luck and team orders.”
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In Bottas’ favour, Yas Marina is like Sochi as a circuit which plays to his strengths and teammate Lewis Hamilton may well be out of the equation with engine penalties.
Last year, Mercedes dominated on this circuit also, even if the team boss believes it may not suit their car.
“We have taken four wins in a row at Yas Marina, although it’s a track with a lot of slow and medium speed corners,” Toto stated.
“We’ve made some good steps forward when it comes to our car’s performance on similar tracks, so we’re confident that we can perform strongly in Abu Dhabi as well, and end this incredible 2018 season on a high.”
