Nico Rosberg hoping to take back points lead next weekend at home race
Nico Rosberg says that the start was the key to him losing the Hungarian GP to teammate Lewis Hamilton.
From pole, Rosberg lost out to both Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo at Turn One, although he quickly got back past the Red Bull driver. However, he was unable to do anything about Hamilton despite staying close to him for the whole race.
“For sure the race was decided there,” said Rosberg. “My start was OK, but slightly down on Lewis’ start, and Daniel also, ever so slightly. And then Daniel obviously got a tow and Lewis had the inside line. Just lost out there into Turn One. It got a bit tight between the two of them also so I had to back out and then, OK, I was glad to at least get back second place from Daniel in Turn Two, that was cool, around the outside – but I lost the win there.”
Rosberg insisted that losing the championship lead was not hugely significant.
“Well, it’s very close. It’s been a good season so far up to now, it’s been a good battle with Lewis and as I’ve always said, I’m not counting the points, there’s still a long long way to go. Everything’s still possible and I just want to focus on winning races, that’s what I wanted to do today.
“I had my full focus on that, it didn’t work out unfortunately, just losing out in turn one and now I move my focus to Hockenheim, because it’s my home race and I’m really looking forward to going there, racing there. I love the track and so I’m going to try and win there.”
