Williams: We must not get "obsessed" with Force India

The Grove-based outfit is locked in a title fight with its Silverstone rivals, with millions of pounds in commercial prize money at stake for whoever comes out on top.

But although the duel between the two teams is likely to run until the end of the campaign, Williams performance chief Rob Smedley thinks it would be wrong if his squad started only worrying about beating Force India.

“We have just got to get the best result we can,” said Smedley, whose team is three points ahead of Force India.

“In terms of Force India, we think about them like we think about the other teams around us. They are not an obsession in any way, shape or form – not at all.

“Obviously we want to get to the end of the season in front of them, but we want to get to the end of the season in front of everybody - so it is not an obsession.

“We knew coming here that, with what they have done to their car since Spain, it has offered a really good opportunity for them, this track.

“So to be there with them in qualifying - and I think there was a chance we could have been in front had it not been for the yellow flags - we are fairly happy and relaxed about Force India.”

And although things could get more intense in their fight as the season end nears, Smedley believes Williams' attitude must not change – even if only beating Force India is all that is needed to secure a constructors' place.

“I think that is a huge mistake [to change focus], I don't think you should ever do that,” he said. “I think you have got to go out and you have to get the absolute best result possible.

“You should not focus on any competitor, but focus on all the competitors. I have been in situations before where we have been even fighting, not here, but fighting for world championships and you make a huge mistake when you start to concentrate on one single competitor.

“You have to go out and be absolutely aware of what everybody is doing and ensure that you get the best result possible.”