Mercedes reject Vettel's 'boring' quip

ABU DHABI, UAE - Mercedes has hit back at Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel on Friday (Nov 21) after the most dominant driver of recent years quipped that the team had made the Formula 1 season boring with their success.

Motorsport head Toto Wolff told the official F1 website ahead of Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: "Is there anybody out there who believes that it was a boring season? Not one single soul.

"It was an incredibly exciting season, despite our record. Our drivers were battling each other to the limit and I am sure that the fans appreciate that."

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have won a record-equalling 15 of the 18 races so far, with a record 11 one-two finishes, but the title outcome is far from decided.

Hamilton, the 2008 champion, leads his German team mate by 17 points but with double points and 50 for the winner on Sunday.

'MERC MADE IT BORING'

Vettel wrapped up 2013's title, his fourth in a row, with three races to spare and ended the year with nine successive wins. But this season he has been little more than an onlooker.

The German has not won a race and has been overshadowed even within his own team by Australian Daniel Ricciardo.

The 27-year-old told reporters with some irony on Thursday (Nov 20), while admitting that the season-long duel between the two team mates had been good to watch: "I think Mercedes made it very boring this year. They had great races, battling for the lead, which is obviously the most interesting position in the race for the people to watch.

"Remembering races like Bahrain, I think they put on a great show for the fans and took it to the last race, so I think both of them deserve to win after such a great season."