Brazilian Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg says he “was able to control” the race in order to fend off Lewis Hamilton’s sustained challenge at Interlagos.
Lining up on pole position for the fifth consecutive time, the German held his ground at the first corner despite his Mercedes team-mate trying a move on the outside. The pair remained evenly matched all afternoon, but Rosberg only relinquished the lead when pitting one lap earlier than Hamilton at each of their three stops.
The triple world champion was the most menacing in the middle stint when he came within half a second of Rosberg, but failed to try a move on the race leader, who went on to secure his 13th career victory, the second consecutive in Brazil.
“It was a great weekend for me here,” Rosberg said. “Everything relative with what happened in Paris, but still very happy.
“Lewis put on a good challenge but I was able to control it and never give him a chance.
“I was just controlling the pace.
“I had the pace advantage over Lewis, so he wasn't going to come past me.”
Having endured a somewhat frustrating 2015 season, Rosberg has dominated Hamilton over the past two grand prix weekends, beating his team-mate in qualifying and in the races.
While his late charge will not change the outcome of the season – the Briton won the title in Austin last month –, the German could use it as a stepping stone for 2016 provided he can identify the reasons for his current run.
“It’s just going a lot better at the moment, so I’m happy about that. I don’t have any exact explanation unfortunately otherwise it would make it a lot more simple.
“I have been working hard all year. Lewis had the upper hand the whole season so I needed to turn it around. In two weeks there’s Abu Dhabi and I want to go for the win again!”
By claiming his fifth win of the season, Rosberg is certain to finish second in the Drivers’ championship since he now has an unassailable lead (31 points) over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
REPORT: Rosberg keeps Hamilton at bay to win in Brazil
AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix
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