Nico Rosberg has called team-mate Lewis Hamilton a “deserving champion” despite reliability troubles effectively deciding the title battle in Abu Dhabi.
“All in all, Lewis deserved to win the championship,” said Rosberg.
The German started on pole but lost out to Hamilton at the start as the Briton aced the getaway to take the lead. However Rosberg remained close until his energy-recovery-system failed, but Rosberg isn’t dwelling on the point and doesn’t believe he would have won.
“I’m very disappointed, but what happened to me had no impact, it did not change anything, so there is no point focusing on that,” he explained.
“He did just a little bit better than me. The positive is I’ve been the better qualifier over the last two years and that gives me a good base.
“I came very close and it is a pity it did not work out, but I’m proud to have been here with the team,” he added.
“It’s been an intense battle but a great battle. I race for battles like that. Lewis has been the best and it has been a great challenge. Most of the time it has been extremely enjoyable.”
