Rosberg eats cheeseburger and plots Mercedes victory

Nico Rosberg

(GMM) Nico Rosberg drowned his sorrows with a double-cheeseburger in China, albeit mindful that Mercedes may now be on the right track to victory.

The German was reportedly angry after the Shanghai race when, with potentially race-winning pace in the W02 for the first time, the team asked him to drive slowly to avoid running out of fuel.

According to Bild am Sonntag newspaper, 25-year-old Rosberg swallowed his frustration with a post-race visit to a fast food outlet for a burger, fries and large milkshake.

"I have nothing against pizzas either," he smiled. "I think after this I won't eat anything for two days!"

As for his anger, Rosberg clarified: "Quite honestly, it's something I've never experienced before. I was totally exhausted and not angry but so disappointed that I felt like crying.

"I was not first but fifth and I had to be alone for a few minutes afterwards," admitted Rosberg.

On the bright side, the Brackley based team seemed to turn a corner in China and Rosberg thinks more podium tilts in the near future are likely.

"The first two races were not easy at all. After the tests we thought we would keep up with the best and now after Shanghai I believe it again," said Rosberg.

He said Mercedes went back to basics with the W02 after Melbourne and Sepang, concentrating on the setup and ensuring that Rosberg will no longer have to describe it as a "cucumber".

"You could say that," Rosberg smiled. "The car has winning potential now. I remember in China seeing Sebastian Vettel in the mirrors and thinking that in two laps he would put me behind. But he didn't.

"The team has done a great job, but falling into euphoria now would be wrong. Sebastian doesn't have to worry too much yet. In Quali we still lack too much — almost a second, but hopefully we can improve that."