Sebastian Vettel stopped short from confirming he will help teammate Mark Webber in Abu Dhabi if the Australian needs it to clinch the title.
Vettel won the Brazilian GP from Webber on Sunday to move to within 16 points of championship leader Fernando Alonso with just one race left. Red Bull has refused to throw its weight on one driver, as shown again today. Had he won, Webber – eight points behind Alonso – would have been just one point behind the Spaniard. Today's result means Alonso can secure the title by finishing second in Abu Dhabi, or third if Vettel wins from Webber.
The German, however, was coy when asked about helping Webber.
"I am not sure if I got your question," he said when asked if he would give way to Webber if Alonso was running in third in Abu Dhabi. "It is pretty straightforward: in less than a week's time we unpack the cars and prepare for Abu Dhabi. We have to see if we are competitive. Then we will see where we are in qualifying, we try to get everything out of the car and then see where we are.
"In my case it is pretty straightforward. I can try to optimize my result, get everything out my myself and repeat the result of today and then it depends on where those guys are. For sure you will have to judge according to the situation. One thing is clear, I think both of us know how to act, there are moments which were probably not representable and we probably don't want to repeat."
When asked to give yes or no, answer, he said: "I think you will see then. I went to school obviously so I know what I can answer and there was a lot of talk before this race. In the end the way the race unfolded it was all unnecessary. For me it is straightforward: I go to Abu Dhabi to try to do my best. We have a strong car.
"I can only tell you about the scenario you are talking about and it is something you will think of. As a kid I never liked it when my parents teased me when they wouldn't answer my question, so now I am in a position to tease you for your questions."