Nico Rosberg has conceded his hopes of winning this season’s Formula One world title are in serious jeopardy after being hit by Lewis Hamilton’s recent five-star run.
Following their controversial collision during the Belgian Grand Prix which resulted in Hamilton retiring but with Rosberg claiming second, the German left Spa with a 29-point advantage.
But five grands prix later and five successive victories for Hamilton have left Rosberg staring at a 24-point deficit going into the final two races in Brazil this weekend and Abu Dhabi on November 23.
Rosberg’s failure to convert pole position into a win has been his undoing as he has claimed top spot on the grid on nine occasions, but only gone on to win twice.
Sunday’s United States Grand Prix was the latest example of that anomaly, with Rosberg forced to settle for the runner-up spot for the 10th time this campaign.
Asked as to what he felt he needed to do to convert more poles into victories, Rosberg said: “On Sunday it was just driving better that was missing.
“In the end I was driving okay, but it was too late. He (Hamilton) ran me out, but it was okay.
“Championship wise it has changed in that it is now getting more difficult.”
Rosberg’s saving grace is that double points are on offer at the Yas Marina Circuit, otherwise the championship could have been wrapped up at Interlagos.
In previous seasons, Hamilton would only have been required to have finished ahead of Rosberg to have claimed his second crown.
As it stands, even a Hamilton win and Rosberg retirement in Sao Paolo is not enough as the 49-point gap that would materialise on the back of that scenario could all be undone by a mechanical failure for the Briton in Abu Dhabi and a triumph for the German.
A relieved Rosberg said: “It is a positive I have a chance in the last race to win (the title), so with that in hand already that is worth a lot.
“It (double points) is what it is. I don’t really care, as long as I have one point more at the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. I don’t care why or how. It is the same for everybody.”
Suggested to Rosberg if he does not emerge champion this year, given the car beneath him he would more than likely have another shot next season, he replied: “It is a childhood dream to be F1 world champion. It would be very special.
“There is, of course, another good chance since our car is awesome and the team is doing an awesome job.
“But I am just in the moment now and I want to make the most of it.”