McLaren has fresh motivation after Brazil podium - Seidl

McLaren’s Andreas Seidl says achieving a first podium in five years has provided his team with “all the motivation we need” heading into the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Woking squad claimed its first rostrum appearance since the 2014 Australian Grand Prix last time out in Brazil after a post-race penalty for Lewis Hamilton promoted Carlos Sainz into third.

McLaren also secured fourth place in the constructors’ championship ahead of midfield rivals Renault at Interlagos, but Seidl stressed the team will not lose focus despite its success.

“We took time last week to celebrate Carlos’ podium and our confirmed P4 in the constructors’ with the whole team back at the factory,” Seidl said.

“But now, we have our heads down again and are focused on the task at hand.

“We know that we need to keep pushing at every opportunity if we want to earn more podiums, and the Brazilian Grand Prix provided all the motivation we need to achieve this goal.

“We now turn all our attention to the final race of the season, where we will aim to end the year on a high. We’ve made good progress over the season and we want to carry that into the final race.

“With our constructors’ position confirmed, we are now targeting the best possible positions in the drivers’ championship - Carlos is well placed to fight for sixth and Lando can also climb positions this weekend.

“Our passion and motivation remain strong and we’re looking forward to fighting until the very last lap of the season.”

Sainz remains locked in a battle to seal the ‘best of the rest’ spot behind drivers from the top three teams and sits one place short of Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly in the standings, with the pair level on 95 points.

“After an incredible race and result in Brazil, it was amazing to take the trophy back to the factory and share the achievement with the whole team,” the Spaniard explained.

“I’m aiming to end the season on a high and there is still a lot to fight for in the last race.

“I’m fighting to finish sixth in the drivers’ championship and, even though it’s not going to be easy, we have prepared thoroughly for the weekend and I have confidence we can have a good race.”