Nico Rosberg says he won't settle for second place at any of the remaining races even though he has the world championship battle in his own hands.
Following his victory in Japan, Rosberg can afford to finish second to team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the remaining four races in order to win the championship. With a 33-point advantage, Rosberg can even finish third in one race, but the championship leader says his only focus is on winning rather than altering his approach.
Asked about finishing second to Hamilton, Rosberg replied: “Of course, I’m aware of that.
"But I definitely don’t put any thought into that at all because as I’ve said I’m going for the win here this weekend, and that’s it. I’m not trying to bring home any second place, or anything as such."
When given the scenario of being second to Hamilton out of Turn 1 on Sunday, Rosberg insisted: "I’ll try and push for the win, 100%, all the way, until the chequered flag."
While Hamilton has a strong record in the United States - winning the championship in Austin last year after Rosberg made a mistake when leading - Rosberg says previous performances have no impact on his mindset.
“Even something like that, in Suzuka you told me exactly the same thing on Thursday, so it’s something I don’t think about because as we’ve seen so often this year it just has no importance.
“With the car I have I can win on any track against Lewis, so this weekend for me we are starting from scratch, going for a good battle out there, and it’s going to be difficult against him, as always.
“He’s going to be fully motivated as always, of course, and he’s ogoing to be at his best, I’m sure, it will be exciting, so let’s see.”
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