Toto Wolff: "Malaysia cost Lewis the championship"

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has said that Lewis Hamilton's engine failure in Malaysia cost him the world championship, but believes Nico Rosberg is a worthy champion.

Hamilton was leading the Malaysian Grand Prix rather comfortably before his engine blew in the latter stages, handing a one-two finish to Red Bull with Rosberg crossing the line in third.

This handed the championship advantage back to Rosberg who eventually went on to win the championship at the final round at Abu Dhabi.

“I think you need to win and lose with dignity,” Wolff explained. “This is a mechanical sport and if they would sit on the floor on the starting grid they wouldn’t go far.

“This team has built them the best car over the last three years has made them win races and championships, and this team has let them down on occasion.

“This year, clearly, Malaysia cost Lewis the championship. It’s clear.”

Wolff didn't forget to mention Rosberg, praising him for the effort he put in last season.

“We have discussed Lewis and the situation without recognising Nico's achievement, racing against the most talented driver as a team-mate and winning a championship.

“I think we should honour it, because he's tough cookie. He doesn't let go, and there are quite some remarkable character traits about him that make him a champion, and a worthy champion.”