Nico Rosberg admitted he was ‘gutted’ to end his Spanish Grand Prix in the turn four gravel trap on the opening lap after a collision with Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
After discussions within the team, the German insists it is time to put the crash behind the team and focus on the job in hand, which is to return to winning ways this weekend around the streets of Monaco, a place where Rosberg has had great success in the past.
Rosberg has triumphed in the past three years around Monaco, and will be looking for a repeat in 2016, although he knows that team-mate Hamilton, the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers and the two Red Bull Racing drivers are likely to be in contention.
“I was gutted after what happened in Spain – for myself, but mostly for the team,” revealed Rosberg.
“We’re in this together and I know how hard everybody works to make these amazing cars, so for us to leave them both in the gravel is the worst possible scenario. But we’ve talked it through and now it’s time to leave it in the past.
“It’s one of my home races next in Monaco – the ultimate driver’s track. It’s where I grew up and where I still live today, so that always makes it a special weekend.
“I have memories from every corner going right back to my school days and I always have great support there from my family, my friends and the fans, which gives you that extra boost through the weekend.
“It’s been amazing to win there for the past three years – but I know it will be tough to repeat that with Lewis, the Ferraris and the Red Bulls all so strong now. I’m feeling confident, so bring on the battle!”
