AUSTIN, Texas -- Nico Rosberg has vowed not to settle for second at the remaining four races, even though it would be enough to secure his first world title.
Rosberg currently has a 33-point lead in the championship over teammate Lewis Hamilton with 100 points left up for grabs. Even if Hamilton wins all four of the remaining races, Rosberg can still afford three second place finishes and a third place finish to take the title.
But when he was asked if he would play the percentages and settle for second this weekend in Austin, he insisted he would continue to target race wins at all the remaining grands prix.
"Of course I'm aware of that, but I definitely don't put any thought into that at all because, as I've said, I'm going for the win here this weekend, and that's it. I'm not trying to bring home any second place, or anything as such."
Asked what he would do if he found himself behind Hamilton exiting first corner on Sunday, Rosberg added: "I'll try and push for the win, 100%, all the way, until the chequered flag.
"For me it's business as usual, that I'm just trying to win the race this weekend, just as I have been doing for the last three years, so nothing's changed."
When Hamilton was asked how he would feel if he lost the title to Rosberg, he said on Thursday he would "take it like a man". When the same question was posed to Rosberg with roles reversed, the German said: "I haven't thought of that because I am planning to go for more race wins, and that's it. I can repeat what I have been saying, and definitely I will fully avoid such negative thoughts because there is no point.
"To think how am I going to feel if I lose is not going to make me faster this weekend. No, that doesn't work."