For Mercedes AMG Petronas’ Nico Rosberg, the burden of expectations may be something he’ll need to manage heading into this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.
Rosberg has won the opening three races this year and six in a row overall going back to last year’s Mexican Grand Prix.
But even despite his fast start and Lewis Hamilton’s opening race relative struggles, Rosberg isn’t getting ahead of things and is guarding against complacency.
“It’s great to see that we still have the quickest car out there and, of course, it’s always the plan to win every race,” Rosberg said in the team’s Russian Grand Prix advance.
“But I would never have expected the first three weekends to go the way they have. I’ve made the most of my opportunities and I have a bit of an advantage in the points right now – but we are only three races down and it would just take one bad weekend for that gap to disappear.
“Lewis is still the benchmark for me as he is the current champion, Ferrari haven’t shown what they can do yet and Red Bull also look like they’re getting stronger, so it’s going to be a good battle and I’m looking forward to that. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The one-at-a-time approach that has served Rosberg well remains his mantra heading to Sochi this week.
“For now, I’m just taking things race by race, focusing on doing my own thing and getting the job done to the best of my ability. That approach has worked out well for me so far.”
Although Rosberg is yet to win in Sochi – teammate Hamilton has won both races there thus far – the German is keen to continue his roll this weekend.
“Now, I can’t wait to get to Sochi. I was looking good all weekend last year until a technical problem put me out of the race and I had great fun fighting from the back the year before, so I know I’m competitive at this track. It holds great memories of celebrating the two championship wins with the team too, so I’m excited to be heading back and seeing how we perform.”
