• Chinese Grand Prix

Schumacher praises Rosberg for 'perfect victory'

Michael Schumacher was running second before the pit stop which caused his retirement © Getty Images

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• Report:
• Rosberg secures sensational maiden victory
  

• Race:
• Chinese Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Nico Rosberg
• |
• Michael Schumacher

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Michael Schumacher described Nico Rosberg's win in the Chinese Grand Prix as "a perfect victory from start to finish".

Rosberg secured the first victory for Mercedes since it returned to the sport in 2010 by winning from pole, while Schumacher retired when running second. Before analysing his own race Schumacher paid tribute to Rosberg's performance before explaining that a loose wheel caused him to pull off the circuit after his first pit stop.

"First of all, congratulations to the whole team, to Mercedes-Benz and of course to Nico who achieved a perfect victory from start to finish," Schumacher said. "He did a great job today and yesterday, and I am happy for him. As for my race, my right front tyre got loose following my first pit stop. As I did not want to cause any bigger damage to the car, I stopped on the grass. I felt there was something wrong immediately and especially in turn three, when I put pressure on the right side of the car."

Schumacher felt he was in good shape when he retired, but with such significant experience behind him he said he was aware such problems can happen and was not too despondent.

"Up until then I had a controlled race I'd say, keeping the others behind me and the tyres together. Of course, this was an unfortunate ending to what could have been a nice race, and I feel sorry for the guys, who always work so hard and give their best. But we all know that's part of the game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.