Wolff: We don't expect to be as competitive in Abu Dhabi

Mercedes finished the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix first and second, George Russell taking his maiden Formula 1 win, and the team's first in 2022. Lewis Hamilton's second place made he result even sweeter keeping in mind how tough the season start was for the Silver Arrows.

They may be riding the wave of this triumphant Brazilian weekend, but Toto Wolff is cautioning the team's W13, despite being improved, may not enjoy the Yas Marina Circuit this weekend, the venue of the 2022 F1 season finale.

Wolff said in Mercedes' Abu Dhabi weekend preview: "To score a 1-2 finish in Brazil was an incredible result for the team, but it's been made more special by the challenges we have faced this season and how we have overcome them.

"Securing our first victory of the season is the result of so much hard work, dedication and determination from everyone involved," he added hailing the team's efforts. "Our team never stopped believing and never stopped pushing. I couldn't be prouder of them, and it shows just how strong our values are.

"George was on it all weekend," he said of F1's latest winner. "Faultless on Sunday, he couldn't be more deserving of his first F1 victory and we are so pleased for him. It's a very special moment in his F1 career and a race we'll all remember for many years to come.

"Lewis put in a brilliant recovery drive. His race pace was impressive, and he put in some incredible overtakes, to fight back through the field and secure the 1-2 finish for the team."

As for Abu Dhabi, Wolff is keeping in mind the W13's mood swings that were positive in Sao Paulo not ruling out a repeat in Abu Dhabi, otherwise and on paper Mercedes are in a disadvantage.

He said: "We don't expect to be as competitive in Abu Dhabi due to the circuit's characteristics. But given the surprises we've had this year with W13, we'll just have to wait and see.

"We still have an outside chance of P2 in the championship - and the points gap to Ferrari is the smallest it has been all year. Hopefully we'll keep this positive momentum going to end the year strong," the Austrian concluded.

Mercedes still trail Ferrari in the 2022 Formula 1 Constructors' Championship, but by 19 points only, so look out for a Silver Red battle this weekend for the runner up position behind Champions Red Bull.