Mercedes are wary of the unpredictable nature of Interlagos that could scupper their bid to finish second in the constructors’ championship.

Whilst Red Bull were crowned Formula One champions for a fourth year in a row last month, that has left their rivals fighting it out as to who will be their bridesmaid.

Going into the final grand prix of the campaign in Brazil on Sunday, Mercedes have a 15-point cushion over Ferrari, with Lotus a further 18 points adrift.

Whilst second is regarded as being the first of the losers, there are millions of euros at stake, so every point and place counts.

The circuit, combined with the weather conditions – which at this stage are reading mixed – are renowned for often providing a chaotic race.

Mercedes may appear secure in second, but that is far from the case as motorsport director Toto Wolff said: “We know races in Interlagos can be unpredictable because of the circuit and the weather.

“So there is no question of complacency or thinking the job is already done.

“We will work in our usual calm, efficient way to deliver the potential of both cars and secure second place in the championship.

“Like always, we will be racing hard to score the maximum number of points possible and end our season on a high.”

With rain, and the odd thunderstorm, predicted for the weekend, team boss Ross Brawn said: “The early forecast looks for a mixed set of weather conditions which will make our job tougher, but that’s the challenge we all thrive on.

“Our aim this weekend is to maintain our second place with a strong showing from Nico (Rosberg) and Lewis (Hamilton), and it goes without saying we would all be delighted if that goal could be achieved.”

For Hamilton, the race brings the curtain down on his first year with the Brackley-based marque which has arguably been better than perhaps first anticipated.

The 28-year-old, though, has only managed one win this season, his worst return for a campaign since his F1 career began in 2007.

Although Hamilton can still finish third in the drivers’ standings, he delivered an emphatic “no” when asked at the weekend whether the position would mean anything to him.

Instead, his sole focus is on delivering second for the team, which would represent Mercedes’ best performance since they returned to F1 in 2010.

Hamilton said: “It’s difficult to believe the final race of my first season with Mercedes has come round already as this year seems to have flown by.

“This weekend in Sao Paulo we know what we have to achieve, and everyone is so fired up to have a good weekend and to be in that second place in the championship on Sunday afternoon.”

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