Share

Backing Rosberg 'not practical', says Hamilton

Cape Town - Although Lewis Hamilton needs team-mate Nico Rosberg to finish off the podium in Abu Dhabi, he has ruled out any talk of backing his title rival up into the Red Bulls.

In the build-up to Sunday's season finale at the Yas Marina circuit, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested that the best way for Hamilton to win the World title would be to bring the Red Bull drivers into play.

"We could be Lewis Hamilton’s best friend on Sunday afternoon if we manage to get both of our cars ahead of Nico," Horner explained. "They are going to be focused on their own battle.

The Brit, though, says that wouldn't be "very easy" or "very wise" given the nature of the Yas Marina circuit.

"Nico has been on pole here for the last two years here, he has been very quick," Hamilton said, as quoted by Planetf1 website

"This has generally been a relatively strong circuit for me but I have not delivered in the last years so my sole goal is to do so, make sure that I'm at my best this weekend as I have been the last couple of races.

"In terms of tactics in the race, that has to come on Sunday, that has never been my thought process. 

"I always really just try to, if I’m out ahead I want to be as far ahead as possible.

"Generally when you have a 18-30 seconds' lead, that is as painful a blow as you can give to the guy you are fighting.

"If you look at (my) last race (Brazil) with no red flag, I would be 30 seconds ahead. That is more of an achievement than backing up your team-mate.

He added: "Whilst in theory it sounds like it makes a lot of sense, it’s not very practical to do. You’ve got two long DRS zones here, it wouldn’t be very easy and very wise to do so."

Hamilton trails Rosberg by 12 points meaning a P3 or higher will guarantee the German a first World Championship title while Hamilton has to finish on the podium to even stand a chance at retaining the title.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE