Rosberg admits Abu Dhabi race "not enjoyable"
Newly-crowned world champion Nico Rosberg admitted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was far from enjoyable following his battle with Lewis Hamilton.
Second placed Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG F1 W07 Hybrid celebrates his World Championship at the end of the race
XPB Images
Rosberg needed a third-place finish to secure the crown, but race leader Hamilton slowed down deliberately to allow rivals to catch the German.
Despite Hamilton's strategy, Rosberg finished second to become Formula 1's 33rd world champion.
The German admitted the weekend had been very hard for him and said he had never felt so much pressure inside the car.
"You can understand I wasn't maybe completely transparent all weekend, I need to protect myself from your world – yes, it was a tough weekend for me," said Rosberg.
"Many moments were not so enjoyable, especially in the race, it was very tough, with Verstappen at the beginning and in the end of course – not nice.
"It was definitely not the most enjoyable race I've ever had.
"So intense. Really intense. I have never felt anything like that in the car."
Rosberg said he understood Hamilton's point of view during the race as the Briton ignored team instructions to pick up the pace.
The German also complained on the radio, as Hamilton was going quicker where he knew Rosberg was a threat.
"It is a pretty simple discussion, you can understand the team's perspective and understand Lewis' perspective, and that is it," said Rosberg.
"Lewis was using all his skill to do it perfectly so no way for me to get by. I thought about it but it was pointless. There was no way, he did it in a perfect way."
Rosberg, the son of 1982 world champion Keke, paid tribute to his parents for their support.
"Every Saturday night I get a message from him, like 'pedal to the metal tomorrow', that is his word of advice. My dad and my mum are such a big part of this.
"My mum on the private side and my dad for my career steps. It is massive. It is good how he is letting me get on with it. It feels right, him stepping back a bit for sure."
The world champion said he was unfazed by claims that he did not get enough credit for his achievement.
"I don't drive for credit. I drive to win the world championship, it is my childhood dream to win the world championship and I have done that."
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