What a Brazilian Grand Prix! Nico Rosberg held off Lewis Hamilton valiantly to take his fifth win of the season. Mercedes' 11th One Two of the season and their 15th win. Here's the thoughts of drivers, team bosses, and others on an exciting race, future plans, and next time in Abu Dhabi...
"It was an amazing race, I had a great time, obviously I made a mistake mid-race but I enjoyed it. In Abu Dhabi, I'll drive in the same way, hopefully improve, and it's everything to play for." Lewis Hamilton on the podium.
"It was a tough race and Lewis made a mistake today, so it really cost him the victory. Both drivers drove on the limit today, Nico made no mistakes and deserved it," Mercedes supremo Niki Lauda realised what Hamilton's spin meant, but praised his German driver.
"It was a great weekend all in all. Austin it was a tough day for me on Sunday, so it was important for me to just improve as I didn't do a good enough job. Today I improved and it's a big step in the right direction. I need to keep this going now," Race winner Nico Rosberg needs to keep his momentum up if he is to win his first world title.
There was an interesting exchange between two of the podium placed drivers about Abu Dhabi in two weeks time...
Rosberg: "He's the man. I need some Felipe Massa help!"
Massa: "I can win!"
Rosberg: "Not that much help! In the middle!"
...It's clear Nico needs all the help he can get and has enlisted the help of the Williams driver.
Red Bull Team Boss Christian Horner has spoken about the rumour that Red Bull and Ferrari are to race three cars in their teams next season.
“If the numbers drop below a certain number – which I think is 16, we are obliged to run a third car, that is in our contract.’ But that is not the case and we haven’t been requested to.’ Christian Horner
Meanwhile Marussia boss Graeme Lowdon is hopeful that his team can return to the grid, despite the team being prepared to be wound up soon.
“I don’t feel like theres no way back. At the moment theres still very much a chance that we can compete in 2015 and beyond and indeed in Abu Dhabi.’ Hopefully the minnows can make it back onto the grid, their presence would be missed in 2015.
McLaren had a good race but their two drivers had mixed fortnes today, Jenson Button finished a marvellous P4, Kevin Magnussen however only managed P9
“That’s all I can do right now, go out and enjoy my racing and I loved it today.’ JB isn't thinking about his possible departure from the sport, he's just enjoying it while he can.
“That wasn’t a great race for me, which is disappointing.’ I tried my best to take care of my tyres but it just didn’t seem possible today.’ Magnussen didn't enjoy his afternoon's racing, at least his future is a little clearer than his team mate's.
“Jenson drove a superb race, managing tyre wear with all the expertise he’s become famous for.’ It was a very welcome reward for all our engineers hard work.’ Team boss Eric Boullier praised Button's top finish, and praised the work of the engineers both here in Brazil and the team in Woking.
“Until Australia 2015 there is still a lot of months, but I’ll do something by then.’ Made before Abu Dhabi? “I don’t think so, we are still in the middle of a championship with so many important things to do in terms of points so that is the first priority.’ Fernando Alonso is still remaining tight lipped on his future. His next move is said to be McLaren, but nothng is certain.
Finally Felipe Massa's race engineer Rob Smedley was on the radio to his driver, congratulating him on his warm down lap...
“Well done mate, nice podium at home!’