F1: Rosberg, Vettel feel they are still in championship hunt
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says Nico Rosberg hasn't given up on the Formula One title fight, despite losing another seven points to Lewis Hamilton in Japan.
Rosberg was on pole for the Japanese Grand Prix, but was edged wide by Hamilton at the start, and dropped to fourth.
Rosberg came back in the race to finish second.
"The way I see him and the way I feel where he is, he has not given up," said Wolff.
"I think there is no way a driver is ever going to give it up unless mathematically not possible anymore, at least for Nico's case or character, and this is what I see."
Wolff also referred to Hamilton's success in Japan and how the defending world champion appears to be back to top form after stumbling in Singapore.
"He was very dominant, he is back to the momentum he had before and it wasn't as controlled from the car's perspective as it appeared, but definitely his driving was very impressive," said Wolff.
From a team standpoint, Wolff feels Mercedes' performance in the Japanese GP was just what the doctor ordered.
"It feels good, when you go through the pain of the moment in Singapore and try to bounce back, then you recover and win the race -- finish one-two," said Wolff. "It is just satisfaction."
Sebastian Vettel is another driver not ready to give up on the championship, despite losing 10 points to Lewis Hamilton.
Vettel followed up his victory in Singapore with third place in Suzuka and now finds himself 59 points behind Hamilton with 125 points still up for grabs over the last five races.
"It's not done 'til it's done," said Vettel. "So, the chance is there -- and what kind of racing driver would I be if I stopped believing?"
Despite staying positive, Vettel is still aware of Hamilton's advantage.
"Of course, I know it's difficult because the opponent is very strong," said Vettel.
"They [Hamilton and team] are currently in stronger form than us, so it's not easy to turn things around when you are behind -- but you have to keep believing, otherwise I guess it's pointless trying to fight. I think there's always a chance on Sunday."
Although the determination is there to overcome the deficit and win the championship, Vettel is not blind to the reality of the situation.
"Being realistic, I think it will be very, very difficult," said Vettel.
"But who knows what's going to happen? We have to do our thing, and that's the maximum we can do. Everything else is not in our hands -- it's probably in their hands."
Vettel still believes that he can challenge Mercedes on performance.
"There are still some races to go," said Vettel. "We are pushing as hard as we can."
Vettel made it simple, though -- he and the team cannot miss any opportunity to gain points in the remaining races of the 2015 season.
"If the chance is there, we have to use it," said Vettel.
"We know though that they [Mercedes] are very, very strong, so we will do everything we can in the remaining races of this year trying to catch them -- trying to improve ourselves."
