Nico Rosberg has described his third consecutive Monaco Grand Prix victory as the “luckiest” of his career after he benefitted from a Mercedes strategy error which cost his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, victory.
The German applauded the “perfect job” Hamilton did, but he was utlimately happy to take his second win of the season which sees him close to within ten points of the championship lead.
“That was my luckiest experience in racing so far,” said the 29-year-old.
“What a crazy race. I was surprised when I saw no one else behind the safety car than me. I didnt know what was happening in that moment. But I concentrated on getting temperature into the tyres as they felt like ice.
“Until the safety car Lewis has done a perfect job, he was better than me over the weekend, so he definitely deserved the win. I know how horrible he must feel now.”
Rosberg says he must up his game going forward to ensure he can beat Hamilton on a fair basis after being overshadowed during the Monaco GP weekend.
He was better than me over the weekend, so he definitely deserved the win
– Nico Rosberg
“This weekend was a warning for me that I have to work even harder for the next race in Montreal,” he said.
“For sure I also feel happy to win again here in Monaco. It’s always so special, and one part of me will celebrate that victory today. A win is a win.”
Team boss Toto Wolff also commended Hamilton on both his performance and the way he handled the situation following the checkered flag.
“Lewis had driven flawlessly until then and really delivered a perfect weekend, with a stunning pole lap and a masterful race,” said Wolff.
“There’s nothing more to say other than to highlight the grace with which he handled the situation; he was a leader and a true sportsman this afternoon.”
Wolff continued to congratulate Rosberg on his victory: “As for Nico, he didn’t put a foot wrong all day, and it would be wrong if we didn’t take the time to recognise his achievement: a third consecutive win in Monaco is something only three other drivers in history have achieved before.
“It is a very special moment indeed and one for him to savour. He didn’t have the pace of Lewis today but, in this sport, you take the victories any way they come. This, too, is motor racing.”
