Sauber sure it can beat Mercedes in F1 constructors' standings

The Swiss team failed to capitalise on another troubled weekend for its Brackley-based rivals, but can still snatch fifth if both its cars finish in the top six and Mercedes fails to score.

Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes the competitiveness of the Sauber means the outfit can still pull off a surprise at Interlagos.

"Now, we have to score points," she told AUTOSPORT. "That means a lot of pressure, and it is one race for us to now focus on.

"It is still a challenge and a target which is achievable, but it means the highest finish you can have in this situation."

Kaltenborn admitted that there had been some frustration at Sauber that the outfit had not made the most of the open goal left by Mercedes, which has now not scored a point since the Singapore Grand Prix.

"We could not utilise the situation and really get the benefit out of it when the other team who we are fighting against is not scoring," she said.

"But they are in the better position. They don't need to score to keep that position. We need to score 13 points at least."

When asked if she felt the Interlagos circuit would suit the Sauber, she replied: "Yes, I think it will.

"But in Brazil you never know what is going to happen.

"It is one thing to think it is well suited, but it is always unpredictable there."