Nico Rosberg was left disappointed and deflated with his early retirement during the Russian Grand Prix two weeks ago after being the dominant driver of the weekend up to that point, but admitted being back at the factory to celebrate winning the Constructors’ championship gave him a boost.
The Mercedes AMG PETRONAS driver had led the race at Sochi up until his retirement having started from pole position, but is now focused on this weekend’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, and is looking to fight for the race victory even though his championship ambitions are all but gone.
“Being back at the factories and seeing everyone so happy was just the boost I needed after a tough Sunday in Russia,” said Rosberg. “The whole team deserves this moment and what we’ve achieved together is really amazing. Hopefully this is just the start.
“With four races left and a big gap to Lewis, it’s clear that the title is a long shot for me now. But it’s not in me to give up or back down, so I’ll be pushing flat out to the end and hopefully having some fun out there in the final few rounds this year.
“I really want to enjoy the next races, as our Silver Arrow is such a great car and gives me the chance to end the year with a few more wins.
“Austin is definitely somewhere that you can have fun too, so I’m looking forward to going back there. It’s a great track to drive, I got pole there last year, and I’m coming off the back of a really strong weekend in Russia in terms of my performance, so if I can repeat all of that then I’ll be in a good position. Bring it on!”
