Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the manner of Mercedes’ constructors’ title victory as “bittersweet” due to Nico Rosberg’s retirement.
Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the Russian Grand Prix ensured Mercedes took the championship despite Nico Rosberg retiring early on, with Ferrari scoring three points less overall. Speaking before final confirmation of Kimi Raikkonen’s penalty which saw Mercedes secure the title, Wolff admitted the failure for Rosberg - who had taken pole position and was leading the race - took the gloss off the final result.
“It is definitely a bittersweet moment for the team because you don’t want to see one of your drivers retire like Nico did,” Wolff said. “He was in the lead, had a brilliant weekend and then the car fails just because of a minor little thing breaking down. So I’m really sorry for him but obviously happy for Lewis who extended his lead in the drivers’ championship and drove a brilliant race as well.”
And Wolff says Hamilton’s level of dominance in 2015 makes him a worthy champion, with the drivers’ title able to be secured at the next race in Austin.
“Yeah incredibly dominant. He has real momentum and for sure deserves to win yet another title. Then finally he has the same amount of titles as Niki [Lauda] so that’s good for the balance within the team.”
With Raikkonen’s post-race penalty dropping him from fifth to eighth place to hand Mercedes the title, when ask if it is disappointing to win a championship in such a way, Wolff replied: “No, I don’t care.
“As long as we win it whether it’s by penalty or not, we take no prisoners!”
Raikkonen penalty hands Mercedes constructors' title
Hamilton close to title after Russian GP win
AS IT HAPPENED: Russian Grand Prix
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