Rosberg defeat impressed Daimler’s Zetsche

Nico Rosberg’s attitude as he raced to defeat in Abu Dhabi perfectly encapsulated the Mercedes spirit.

That was the view of Daimler supremo Dieter Zetsche as he wrote an internal Christmas letter to employees, which has been revealed by Germany’s Sport Bild.

The letter comes at the end of a stunningly successful season for the German marque, having utterly dominated the 2014 world championship.

Lewis Hamilton won the drivers’ crown, but it was German Rosberg’s attitude as he battled with his failing Mercedes that truly impressed Zetsche.

He recalls how Rosberg was called into the pits to retire his dying car, but the 29-year-old asked to be allowed to push on to the chequered flag.

"It was not just about the chequered flag," wrote Zetsche, "it was a matter of principle. Don’t give up.

"This attitude is the same as our colleagues who worked for these achievements step by step in recent years," he added.