Rosberg won’t change approach despite big Hamilton gap

2016 Japanese Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg says he will not change his race-by-race approach ahead of the remaining four events of the season, despite now enjoying a 33-point gap over Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Lining up on pole position at Suzuka, the German had a clean launch and led into the first corner, while his title rival had a sluggish getaway and slipped from second down to eighth on the opening lap.

From there on, Rosberg controlled the proceedings to secure his ninth win of the season, his first in Japan, as Hamilton recovered to third.

“For sure, the whole weekend from the word go has felt good,” the championship leader said. “We found the right balance and then all the way through to qualifying.

“The start went well, everything went well. Just controlling the pace and the gap to Max. A perfect weekend really so very happy with that and to win on this legendary track as well.”

Having consistently downplayed the significance of looking at the standings before the end of the season, Rosberg insists he will not get carried away by his substantial lead.

“I’m well aware of the 33 points of course but I just want to take it race by race and that’s what I did this weekend, just focus on trying to win the race and happy it worked out. Still too many races to go, so I’m keeping my head down.

It’s still a long way to go so there would be no point changing my approach now. I’m sticking with what I’m doing because it’s working well.”

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Chris Medland's 2016 Japanese Grand Prix preview

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