Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said Lewis Hamilton’s Malaysian Grand Prix retirement "cost" the British driver the 2016 title, but praised Nico Rosberg for being a “worthy” champion.
Hamilton was comfortably leading the Malaysian GP at the Sepang circuit before an engine failure in the closing stages put him out of the race, with third for Rosberg increasing his lead in the title fight.
Rosberg entered the final race weekend in Abu Dhabi with a 12-point advantage over Hamilton. Despite winning the race and trying to back his title rival into the pack, second place saw Rosberg take the crown.
“I think you need to win and lose with dignity,” Wolff explained. “This is a mechanical sport and if they would sit on the floor on the starting grid they wouldn’t go far.
“This team has built them the best car over the last three years has made them win races and championships, and this team has let them down on occasion.
“This year, clearly, Malaysia cost Lewis the championship. It’s clear.”
But Wolff then went on to praise Rosberg’s championship season, which included nine race wins, adding:
“We have discussed Lewis and the situation without recognising Nico's achievement, racing against the most talented driver as a team-mate and winning a championship.
“I think we should honour it, because he's tough cookie. He doesn't let go, and there are quite some remarkable character traits about him that make him a champion, and a worthy champion.”
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