Abu Dhabi GP, Felipe Nasr: “The important thing is to have maintained tenth place in the constructors' championship”

La Clean finished the season in line with the rest of the year, with Marcus Ericsson crossing the finish line in fifteenth place, just behind him came Felipe Nasr. The Swiss team stood out for the aggressive strategy implemented with Ericsson, the Swede in fact made only one pit stop, covering 39 laps on the soft yellow band tyres.

Marcus Ericsson, 15th: “It was a special race. We did 55 laps with a one-stop strategy and I think we executed it very well. I am very satisfied with my performance today but obviously the result doesn't show it. I managed the tires well for many laps, so at some point I was able to push without having to worry about tire management. However today we simply didn't have the pace. This was the last race of the year, now begins the winter break during which we will recharge our batteries for 2017. I am excited to be part of a new era of F1. A big thank you goes to the whole team, both here on the track and at the Hinwil base, for holding on in a difficult year like this. We stuck together and worked together – this will make us stronger for the future.”

Felipe Nasr, 16th: “I had a good start climbing up to fourteenth place. I fought to stay there as long as possible, but we simply didn't have the pace of our rivals. In the central part of the stint everything seemed ok as we were keeping the Manors behind, but unfortunately there was contact between me and a Manor. The floor and a rim were damaged in the accident, and it also seemed that the front wing also had problems and this unfortunately led to an unexpected pit stop. At that point the race was compromised. If the accident hadn't happened we probably would have finished in a better position. The most important thing, however, is that we maintained tenth place in the constructors' championship. I am happy with the goal achieved. To sum up the year I've had a lot of fun this year at Sauber. It has been a difficult season, but I believe that these small inconveniences allow us to learn and improve. My relationship with the team has been good despite the problems. The two points in Brazil were fantastic – the whole team deserved them. Thank you all!"

Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal: “First of all we want to congratulate Nico and the entire Mercedes team for the championships won this year. We are also happy with Force India's fourth place in the Constructors' championship. The aim of this last race of the season was to maintain tenth place in the constructors' standings and we planned our strategy around this. I would like to say "thank you" to the whole team, both those who follow us on the track and those at the Hinwil factory. Marcus and Felipe did a good job both keeping themselves focused especially in difficult moments. What we have achieved in this difficult season is thanks to the entire team. We stuck together, continued to work hard and fought throughout the season. We can build on this for next year and look forward to 2017."

Stefano Rifici (@SedyBenoitPeace)