Formula 1

Rosberg hails altered strategy that helped him jump Red Bull

1 Mins read
Großer Preis der USA 2016, Sonntag. Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team driver Nico Rosberg was pleased with the overall result at the United States Grand Prix, where he finished second to team-mate and main title rival Lewis Hamilton.

Despite getting a good start off the line, the German lost out to Daniel Ricciardo into the first corner, and had to sit behind the Red Bull Racing driver for a large portion of the grand prix, unable to find a way by.

“I had a good start and tried to overtake Lewis on the outside but ultimately it meant Daniel Ricciardo had a better line out of turn 1 and was able to capitalise on this.”

A virtual safety car deployed midway through the race however, incidentally caused by the strange parking choices of the Australian’s team-mate Max Verstappen, saw Rosberg able to take advantage by pitting and coming out ahead of the stunned Ricciardo.

“From there it was hard to overtake the Red Bull but our altered strategy paid off. We ran the medium tyre and that gave us plenty of options, especially when the virtual safety car came into play.”

The German was on a different strategy to the majority of front runners, and opted to run the medium tyre during his final stint of the race, a tactic Rosberg felt could have worked to his advantage, had there been a few more laps for him to play with.

“The medium tyre showed some really strong pace and the car felt great which meant towards the end I was closing in on Lewis, but it was too late.”

Ever gracious in defeat, Rosberg conceded that Hamilton had just performed better than him throughout their time at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), but added that he will be ready to fight for the title once more, when they arrive at the next round in Mexico.

“Lewis did a better job this weekend and deserved the win and I look forward to continuing our battle in Mexico.”

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