Title leader Hamilton keen to "get back on it" after error-strewn Hungary last month; Rosberg vows not to let more chances slip
Tuesday 25 August 2015 14:30, UK
Mercedes team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have vowed to make up for their disappointments of Hungary when the F1 season - and their title battle - resumes at Spa this weekend.
For the first time in 29 races, neither Mercedes driver finished on the podium after an action-packed race in which Hamilton made several uncharacteristic errors and Rosberg struggled for pace. Both drivers also collided with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.
With a four-week gap between races, the pair have had plenty of time to stew on their respective performances ahead of Belgium, the scene of their acrimonious collision last season.
“It's been good to take a break from racing and spend some time relaxing, training and recharging the batteries,” said 21-point championship leader Hamilton, who has split his break between Barbados and New York.
“But, of course, there's always that flame in the back of your mind that just wants to get back out there and get on it – especially after a race like Hungary.”
Rosberg, meanwhile, has spoken of the “big disappointment” he suffered at the Hungaroring after letting slip a golden opportunity to take a big chunk out of Hamilton’s title lead.
At one point of the increasingly chaotic race, Rosberg had been on course to lead the standings going into the summer break, but the German ultimately finished two places behind Hamilton in eighth.
“The summer break is a great chance for the team to recharge after a tough start to the year and they definitely deserve it for all the hard work in making the incredible car we've had so far this season. But for me, personally, it's time I'd rather be spending in the car!” Rosberg, who headed to Ibiza in the days after Hungary, admitted.
“Hungary was a big disappointment and I've been itching to get back to racing ever since. When you're in such a close battle for the championship, any opportunity to gain points is crucial and it's up to me to take those chances – but also to make them for myself.
“That's definitely the target for the second half of the year. We're only halfway through the season, so it's all still to play for.”
But while the Mercedes pair remain the favourites for the Drivers’ Championship, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel cut his deficit on Hamilton to 42 points with his victory in Hungary and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insists the defending champions can't afford to take anything for granted.
“With 10 races down and nine to go, we enter the second half of the season with a stronger points total than at this stage last year. And yet, our margin to the competition is actually smaller,” Wolff stressed.
“There is never a moment you can take your foot off the gas and Hungary proved once again that any slip is an opportunity our rivals will grab with both hands. There are still many chances to win or lose this battle and we must be relentless in our push to come out on top.”
