Nico Rosberg will arrive in Abu Dhabi this week with a seventeen point deficit in the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship to his Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team-mate Lewis Hamilton, but the German is not prepared to give up on his opportunity without a fight.
After taking the victory in Brazil, Rosberg was relieved to bounce back after losing the victory in the United States to Hamilton, and felt in total control at Interlagos to secure his fifth win of the season. He insists he will be in ‘full attack’ mode in Abu Dhabi, hopeful he can win the championship despite the points difference.
“After the disappointment of Austin, Brazil was just the way to bounce back with a great weekend for both me and the team,” said Rosberg. “I felt in control from the very beginning and it was a big positive to take the lessons from Texas and put them into action.
“Of course, it wasn’t enough to regain the lead in the Championship as Lewis drove a strong race to finish just behind me. But the gap is smaller than before and I absolutely believe I still have the chance to take the title in Abu Dhabi. It won’t be easy, but I’ll be full attack – just as I have been all season.”
Despite it being his first attack at the Championship, Rosberg feels relaxed as he heads into the finale, and thanked his team for enabling both himself and his team-mate to have an equal opportunity for the title.
“Although this has been my first year fighting for a World Championship, I’ve never felt more comfortable than I have done this year,” said Rosberg. “The team behind us have done an incredible job and it’s great that they’ve given both of us equal opportunity to compete with each other.
“There have been difficult moments just as there have been amazing moments – but this is what Formula One is all about and I hope that everyone watching at home has enjoyed the story of this battle as much as I have.”
The German feels proud of his achievements in 2014 even if he ends up missing out on the title in Abu Dhabi to Hamilton. He has enjoyed driving what has turned out to be by far the best car on the grid this year, and still has the belief that he can claim his maiden F1 Drivers Championship crown.
“Win or lose, double points or no double points, I feel proud of what I have achieved this year and especially proud to have been a part of this fantastic season for the Silver Arrows,” said Rosberg. “I go into this race with no fear and with every belief that this can be my title.
“It’s not over until that flag drops!”
