Rosberg hails rival’s performance
‘ In the end my race did not make a difference because Lewis won the race fair and square’
Putting aside their differences, Nico Rosberg hailed his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton’s triumph saying that the latter was a deserving winner.
Rosberg’s hopes were dashed in the season finale in Abu Dhabi after he suffered car problems and eventually finished in 14th place. The two drivers were at loggerheads all through the season but Rosberg made sure to go to the pre- podium room to congratulate Hamilton and was even seen embracing him.
“I’m very disappointed but all- in- all, Lewis deserved to win the championship. That’s clear. All- in- all he just did a better job than me, especially in the races,” said the 29 year- old, who has won five races this year in comparison to Hamilton’s 11.
Rosberg not only had to win in Abu Dhabi but also had to hope that Hamilton finished lower than second. However, the German’s car couldn’t pick up the pace due to trouble with the hybrid system and lost the edge at the start itself.
“In the end, my race did not make a difference because Lewis won the race fair and square. He deserved to win today and he deserved to win the championship. He was the best driver on the gird this year.
“What happened to me had no impact on the championship,” said Rosberg, who felt there was plenty of positives to take into the next season.
“The positive is that I have been the better qualifier over the two years. Hamilton’s level is massively high. He was the best on the grid and I was up against him. I came very close. It didn’t work out but I’m proud to be here,” added Rosberg, who felt it was an incredible year.
“Although very intense, I really enjoyed the contest. It has been a great challenge for me. Sometimes, it was not enjoyable, but it was a great year.”
Hamilton also expressed his disappointment that the finale was one- sided with Rosberg’s car giving way.
“Nico put on an incredible fight throughout the year. He was an incredible competitor. I’m sad to know his car wasn’t quick enough so he couldn’t fight, but he came up to congratulate me just now. He came into the room, very professional, and I just said: ‘ Fantastic.’ He said: ‘ You drove really well,’ that was a great gesture,” said Hamilton.