Nico Rosberg has conceded his hopes of winning this season’s Formula One world title are in serious jeopardy following teammate Lewis Hamilton's incredible run of form of late.
Following their controversial collision during the Belgian Grand Prix which resulted in Hamilton retiring but with Rosberg claiming second, the German left Spa with a 29-point advantage.
But five grands prix later, having accumlated five successive victories, Hamilton has left Rosberg staring at a 24-point deficit going into the final two races in Brazil this weekend and Abu Dhabi on November 23.
Rosberg’s failure to convert pole position into a win has been his undoing as he has claimed top spot on the grid on nine occasions, but has only gone on to win twice.
Sunday’s United States Grand Prix was the latest example of that anomaly, with Rosberg forced to settle for the runner-up spot for the 10th time this campaign.
When asked about what he needed to do to convert more poles into victories, Rosberg said: “On Sunday it was just better driving that was missing for some part of the race.
“In the end I was driving okay, but it was too late. He (Hamilton) ran me out, but it was okay. “Championship-wise, it has changed in that it is now getting more difficult.”
Despite this, double points are on offer in the final race of the season at the Yas Marina Circuit, which could potentially see the German pip Hamilton to the title. And Rosberg is adamant that he will beat his teammate to the chequered flag in Au Dhabi.
“It is a positive I have a chance in the last race to win (the title), so with that in hand already that is worth a lot," he continued.
"It is what it is. I don’t really care, as long as I have one point more at the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. I don’t care why or how. It is the same for everybody.”
However, Rosberg has claimed that, should he not emerge victorious this season, his struggles will makes him stronger next time around.
“It is a childhood dream to be F1 world champion. It would be very special.
“There is, of course, another good chance since our car is awesome and the team is doing an awesome job. But I am just in the moment now and I want to make the most of it.”
