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McLaren: No quarter for title battle

McLaren duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton say they will have no sympathy for anyone else if their good form in Abu Dhabi ends up costing someone the world championship

Although Hamilton's slim hopes of winning the title himself depend on him taking victory with the other contenders not scoring points, there is a high chance their finishing positions will have an impact on the contest between Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.

But rather than have any worries about their actions shaping the destiny of the world title battle, both men say their only thoughts are on going out there and getting a 1-2 finish for the team.

Button said: "I think you have to look at it as a normal race. As soon as you start changing your style or the way of thinking that is when accidents happen, plus we are out there to score as many points as we can for the constructors' championship.

"I know the guys are out there looking at the drivers' championship, but we still want to finish second in the constructors' championship and one of us can still win the championship.

"I think for them they have got to watch out for us rather than the other way around, so I am looking forward to the race. My aim is to be on the podium and that would be a great way to end the season - as I did last year."

Button's finishing position could be vital, especially for Fernando Alonso, as the Spaniard cannot afford to finish too far behind Vettel or Webber in the race.

But Button reckons the title outcome is not solely dependent on his actions.

"I don't think I am the only person who can make a difference," he said. "There are many people out there who can make a difference to Fernando's championship, but for us we are going to take it as every other race - and that is the way you have to be.

"We want to have a good race, nothing will change because we are racing people who are fighting for the championship. I am sure they are thinking it is quite unfortunate we are in the position we are, but that is the way it is, it is never easy."

When asked if he would feel sorry for someone if his defence of a position cost them the title, Hamilton said: "No. I have no feelings towards it. We want to do the best job we can as a team, we don't care what anyone else does.

"It is a race we don't have any pressure on us. We would love to get a 1-2 here, and that would be a perfect end to the season for us as a team."

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