• Brazilian Grand Prix

Schumacher allowed Rosberg past

Michael Schumacher attacks Jenson Button © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Report:
• Vettel leads Red Bull 1-2 to seal constructors' title
  

• Race:
• Brazilian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Nico Rosberg
• |
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Michael Schumacher said that he let team-mate Nico Rosberg past because he was in a better position to challenge Jenson Button ahead.

Rosberg had earlier come out ahead of Schumacher after his first pit stop but pitted a second time when the safety car came out. Schumacher was then running sixth before allowing Rosberg, who had fresher tyres, past.

"I had quite a good start today gaining two positions which unfortunately I lost again directly afterwards following my exit on the grass because of the fight with Robert," said Schumacher. "We then had good pace but with hindsight, my pit stop was maybe a little too early which left me stuck behind Adrian. Towards the end, I let Nico past when he was on fresh tyres as he had the better chance to fight Jenson in front of us. I look forward to Abu Dhabi now where I hope to have another encouraging race."

Rosberg acknowledged it had been a nice gesture from the seven-time world champion to let him go by.

"I had a strong start today and when Michael pitted ahead of me, I had clear air and was able to make up positions thanks to our good strategy," said Rosberg. "From then, it got a little chaotic but the team made a great call to get me on new rubber when the safety car came out. Unfortunately Jenson did the same and there was a lot of chaos with lapped cars so I wasn't able to make up any further positions. Michael let me past which was nice as he was on used rubber against my new tyres."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.