Hamilton tactics a thing of the past - Rosberg

40

Nico Rosberg believes it is time to drop the whole discussion about Lewis Hamilton's tactics in last Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix show down.

The German finished second behind his team mate, clinching the world championship, and says that regardless of what Mercedes' top brass decide to do internally about the incident, it is time to move on.

"In terms of his tactics in the last race, you can understand the team’s perspective that they weren’t too happy with that," Rosberg said during celebration with sponsor Petronas in Kuala Lumpur..

"But at the same time it’s easy to understand his perspective. It’s about the world championship so you can understand he wanted to try whatever it was possible to do.

"He did a really good job of it. He did it perfectly because I had no chance to try to overtake."

Asked by BBC's Radio 5 Live whether he would have resorted to the same plan of action, Rosberg said any speculation was vain.

"That’s too hypothetical, so there’s no point in going into that. We can just drop the whole discussion. There’s no point discussing this topic any more. It’s done and it’s in the past."

Rosberg insisted that the controversy took nothing away from the great respect he has for Hamilton.

"Lewis is an amazing driver, he’s one of the best of all-time. It’s always tough to beat him. We have the base respect because we were really good friends back in the day.

"That’s always remained, that respect, so that helps even though it’s difficult because we’re within the same team fighting each other. It’s a very intense environment and not easy."

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Quotes of the week

DRIVER RATINGS: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

OPINION: A worthy champion

Jenson Button's F1 career: 17 seasons, 15 wins

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.