Mercedes have goal: 'Competing for the world title again next year'

Mercedes didn't have a great day in Abu Dhabi. While George Russell finished fifth, Lewis Hamiton had to drop out at the end of the race. It produced disappointment for Andrew Shovlin afterwards, although the Mercedes top man also admits that this is part of the season.

"It wasn't the way we wanted to finish the year, but if we're honest with ourselves it's the way we deserved to. We weren't good enough in many areas today and we'll use that fact to focus our work over the winter," he stated in the Mercedes press release. 

The German formation experienced a difficult season. In pre-season, Hamilton and Russell's car appeared to suffer a lot from porpoising, losing speed on the track. During the race year, the team managed to recover, but could only sporadically compete for wins.

"It's been very difficult, but the challenge has brought the team together and it feels like we are more united than we've ever been. We knew our winning streak would come to an end one day and we always knew it would be the biggest challenge the team has ever faced."

Mercedes go for world title next season

Shovlin wants to look positively to the future. Although Mercedes failed to meet expectations this calendar year, he is confident that the team will come back strong. "We will do everything possible to get back into the title fight next year," he said.