Close quali gap shows Nico isn’t playing it safe - Lauda

Mercedes' Niki Lauda says the close gap between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix shows the current Formula One points leader is not playing it safe with the title at stake.

The Briton did secure a crucial pole position at Interlagos but his team-mate was only one tenth adrift.

Rosberg goes into Sunday’s race with a 19-point edge over Hamilton. Although a win would secure him the crown, the German can also afford to settle for second place in the last two races of the season and still come out on top.

“Lewis does not have any pressure because he can attack all the way as he has nothing to lose,” Lauda told Sky Sports F1. “With 19 points in hand, you could put yourself under pressure, which would restrict you in your driving.

“You should not do that and take it like any other race, which Nico is doing… As you can see, he is doing the same lap time as Lewis.”

While there was only 0.102s between the two title contenders, third-placed Kimi Raikkonen was over six tenths off Hamilton’s pace.

Lauda says he is pleased to see that Mercedes' rivals are unlikely to interfere with the championship battle, unless weather conditions come into play.

“For me the most important is the time difference between second and third, which is quite a bit,” the former triple world champion added. “If they had been only two tenths behind us, there’ll be more worry for the race.

“If you have a bigger cushion, it’s a little easier but it depends on how the weather will be.”

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