1Hamilton and Wolff will be looking to cook up a more competitive car next season

George Russell’s podium finish in Abu Dhabi was enough to secure second, three points in front of Ferrari, but it represents a fall from grace from Mercedes who had won eight constructors’ titles in a row up to 2021.

Red Bull finished on 860 points, with Mercedes finishing on 451 so there is a considerable gap for Wolff’s team to make up.

When asked by Sky Sports as to whether they can bridge that gap next season, Wolff said: “New season starts with a completely new car and that gives opportunities but also risks.

“I think we’ve got to be realistic.

“We are aiming for the stars but we finished only second against a team that was out-performing everybody else.”

When asked if another constructor, such as Ferrari could usurp them to become Red Bull’s main competitor, Wolff said: “I mean I’ve always said that this is a meritocracy and best driver and best car wins, and therefore we have to just get out act together, and I hope it’s us [that can fight Red Bull].”

Wolff says it is up to the team to give Hamilton a car worthy of beating Verstappen next year, saying: “If we are able to give him the car, then he will be fighting for a world championship.

“I have no doubt. It’s clear that when you have a Formula 1 car like we have now, you are never at ease with it.”

It has been an unlikely winning drought for Lewis Hamilton, with the Brit not winning a Grand Prix since Saudi Arabia in December 2021.

He finished third in the 2023 Drivers standings on 234 points – a whopping 341 off 2023 champion Max Verstappen.