Formula One points leader Nico Rosberg insists he did not settle for second place behind Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Having entered the weekend with a 26-point advantage over his title rival, Rosberg knew he could afford to finish P2 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and still keep a decisive edge in the Drivers’ standings.
Despite having struggled to match Hamilton’s pace all weekend in Mexico, the German claims he did everything to score his 10th victory of the season.
“[It was] not really damage limitation I was going for the win out there,” Rosberg said. “It didn’t work out, Lewis did a great job, he was a little bit faster all weekend, in qualifying two-tenths and in the race a litter bit faster. I accept it, I accept second place, it’s OK.”
Rosberg will head for Brazil, where he has won the last two races, knowing that he can wrap up the title with another victory regardless of Hamilton’s result.
However, the 31-year-old claims that it will not alter his mindset entering the Interlagos event.
“Yeah, it’s cool to be in that situation, but I’m not going to change my approach because that’s what feels best.
“I need to do what feels best and where I can perform at my best. That’s the way it’s going to be.”
Rosberg leads Hamilton by 19 points with two grands prix left this year.
2016 Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings
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