Rosberg: “We weren't fast enough”

You had to go back to 2012 not to see a Mercedes in pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix. This Saturday in the Principality, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton could only bow to the Red Bull RB12 Daniel Ricciardo, author of his first career pole position.

The German driver, winner of the last three editions, admitted to not having been able to compete for first place. “The chance to be on pole was never with me today. Daniel Ricciardo was faster and he clearly deserves his pole, that's all, Rosberg confessed at a press conference. We weren't fast enough. »

Rosberg, who touched the rails during qualifying, admitted to being surprised by the performance of the Red Bull RB12, which is bringing a Power Unit to this meeting. Renault improved. “I was really surprised by his time in Q3. I knew when I saw this that it would be very complicated to go get him. I gave everything I could, but it wasn't enough. »

The reigning vice-world champion has not completely lost hope for the race, but knows that the start will undoubtedly be crucial to hope for a fourth victory in a row in Monaco. “ I will have more grip at the start (Ricciardo starting on super-soft tires after setting his time on this tire in Q2, Editor's note), maybe this will help me. »

Photos from the Monaco Grand Prix can be viewed in our dedicated gallery.