Austin motivated Nico Rosberg in claiming first title

F1 Update – Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg says the “horrible experience” of the 2015 United States Grand Prix was key to him clinching his first title this season.

Rosberg was leading Mercedes teammate Hamilton in last year’s Austin race before he made a mistake and went off, allowing the Briton to take the lead and go on to win the race and, with it, the title that same day.

After that, Rosberg won seven grands prix in a row and secured his first championship in Abu Dhabi last weekend.

The German said the process he went through following Austin’s mistake is what enabled him to become stronger this season.

“It really was a horrible experience for me to lose the championship to Lewis in the way that I did that day,” said Rosberg in a video interview shared by his team on Youtube.

“I spent two days on my own after that just thinking about that. I’m proud to be able to always come out from difficult moments stronger. I really manage to do that quite well, which I’m proud of.

“And after that race I won seven races on the trot and that definitely the kick-start of this championship.

“I really gave it everything I had this year. There wasn’t a stone that I left unturned in commitment and determination and in avenues to explore to become a better racing driver.”

Category: Formula One