Nico Rosberg still believes in Mercedes

At the beginning of the week, the column Pitstop focused on the case of Nico Rosberg, wondering if the German could become world champion. Indeed, after two years of collaboration, the Rosberg/Mercedes partnership has yet to yield the much-anticipated results from a bit less than two years ago, largely due to an outdated W01 and an equally disappointing W02. Yet, far from being discouraged—as is sometimes reported—Nico Rosberg insists that he remains just as motivated by the challenge presented by Mercedes Grand Prix: « I enjoy getting the most out of what we have, and it’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to help Mercedes Grand Prix—the Silver Arrows—grow this team to win races and championships. There are definitely worse situations, or rather I would say it’s a good situation! So, I am completely motivated » he explains in an exclusive interview with the official Formula One website.

In the meantime, this season, the drivers of the star-branded team find themselves more often than they would have hoped battling with Force India, Toro Rosso, Sauber, or Lotus Renault GP rather than with Red Bull, Ferrari, or McLaren. This situation doesn’t seem to affect Nico Rosberg’s morale: « Every time I get in the car, of course, I want to do well. I want to exploit it to the fullest, that’s what motivates me. Achieving a great performance – probably above your expectations – feels good, even when it’s in the middle of the pack, because if you’ve given it your all, then you can go home with your head held high. »

The German does not go so far as to say he is satisfied with what he has been able to accomplish so far with Mercedes: « It’s very motivating [to help a historic team move forward] but satisfaction comes when you have reached the goals you set for yourself. » Rosberg also admits that the lack of performance from Mercedes in 2010 did not surprise only him: « I think Mercedes got involved thinking they were going to win right away, so, of course, it was a surprise to all of us, but now we’ve accepted it and are working on it. We are clearly not the best Formula One team – for the moment – but we will start from there to become the best. […] They all want to taste success again. […] There’s a strong belief that, together, we can make it. […] I believe in them. »

The former Williams driver, however, has no regrets about his commitment to Mercedes: Not for a single moment. It was the right time, it’s a step forward in my career and, hopefully, it will continue.

Hope, Nico Rosberg can have according to Jenson Button, who preceded him and was even a champion with the team based in Brackley: « I don’t think he needs to worry about having confidence in his abilities. Fundamentally, he is in a good team and I am sure that in the future he will fight for wins and more podiums. When I look back, I had some good years with Honda: 2004 was great, 2005 was very challenging, but then in 2006, I won a race with them and several podiums. Then there were two difficult seasons, until 2009 when we hit the jackpot. So, there were bad times, yes, but that builds you as a person. »