Nico Rosberg is confident he knows how to deal with any threats from behind as he goes in search of the title during today's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The German will be world champion for the first time if he finishes on the podium at the Yas Marina Circuit, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton needing to overturn a 12-point deficit in the race. Rosberg has finished second in each of the past three races but was challenged by Max Verstappen in both Brazil and Mexico as Red Bull showed strong pace.
Asked if he is pleased to see Verstappen starting down in sixth place behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and the two Ferraris after a poor qualifying session, Rosberg replied: "It’s not something that comes to my mind.
"I’m firing on all pistons to try and win this race. It’s not a relief in any way and competition with the guys behind, it’s not something I’ve been looking at with the guys behind after qualifying and say ‘oh damn he’s behind me’, not at all.
"Three tenths to Lewis, that’s what I looked at. That’s what I was not ecstatic about and I will be looking in front again and it doesn’t really matter to me who is behind me. They are all a bit different and I know how to handle each one of them and what to expect but apart from that, I’m looking forward.”
And Rosberg insists he will not be settling for second place in today's race even thought it would secure him the title.
“I want to win. That’s what I’m here to do this weekend and I’m going to fight for that tomorrow and the best win is always when it’s close because that’s when it’s most emotional.
"'All out'... That’s a big word isn’t it? For sure in my mind I’m going to go for the win, even if at some point in the race I’m not in that position, and why shouldn’t I?”
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