Rosberg: No change in Hamilton relationship

Nico Rosberg is desperate to get back to winning ways at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend after seeing his perfect run ended in Barcelona.

The Formula One championship leader saw his hopes of victory last time out ended by a first-lap crash with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

It was the latest in a string of incidents involving the duo as they have battled for supremacy in recent seasons.

However, Rosberg insists the pair’s relationship has not been soured by the collision in Spain and he is focused on claiming a fourth Monaco win in a row.

“Between the two of us it [the crash] is a thing of the past now,” he said at Wednesday’s driver media conference.

“We’re moving on with everything and the relationship is the same as before.

“Nothing’s changed and now, going out on track, I’m not going to be thinking about Barcelona.

“I’m going to take the same approach as always, flat out, and do whatever’s necessary to win this grand prix, which is what I’ve come here to do.”

Victory for Rosberg on Sunday would see him become only the second driver to win four successive races in Monaco, equalling Ayrton Senna who went on to win five.

Rosberg is not concerned by the record, though, with another 25 points in the title race his only target.

He added: “I’m aware of the statistics of course, but it’s not something I’m concentrating on – or even thinking about – because, as I’ve said, even in the last couple of races, what I want to do this weekend is win this race, just because it’s Monaco and I love winning here.

“That’s it, that’s all that I’m thinking about.”