Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff expects Nico Rosberg to benefit from the 2016 title race hinging on his own result from the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.
The German could have wrapped up this year’s championship as early as last weekend but he needed to take victory in Mexico while rival Lewis Hamilton finished no higher than 10th.
With 19 points in hand over the Briton and two races left, Rosberg will not have to focus on his team-mate’s result if he wins at Interlagos next weekend.
“For Nico I think it is maybe beneficial now because all this talking you need to finish second in order to make it to the end is finished now,” Wolff said. “He has it in his hands. If he wins the race in Brazil, he wins the championship earlier.
“I think this is maybe a bit easier in terms of tackling the situation with a little bit less pressure, because he is still has another go in Abu Dhabi. It is really interesting and it is great for the fans what is happening for the championship.”
Despite finishing second to Hamilton at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Rosberg did not enjoy the smoothest of weekends in Mexico, struggling for pace until a late flyer in the final part of qualifying before he had to fend off a charging Max Verstappen during the race.
“He was quite under pressure from Max when he was catching up and he still manages it well and we have seen in many races Nico coping well under pressure,” Wolff added. “I think this is one of his very strong points.
“As I said, I don’t know how difficult it is, I can’t just guess, to manage a situation where you know all you need to do is finish second and you shouldn’t risk a DNF. So, I think he is going a good job.”
Rosberg has won the last two editions of the Brazilian GP whereas Hamilton has yet to taste success at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace.
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Scene at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix
Mexican Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
DRIVER RATINGS: Mexican Grand Prix
15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg
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