Rosberg defends from Hamilton to take Brazil win - Massa rounds out the podium at home race
Published by Christine
Nico Rosberg led off the line but looked close to losing his race lead to teammate Lewis Hamilton at several points during the afternoon at Interlagos. Hamilton had closed the gap but ran wide and lost time, giving him the work to do all over again. He was close behind towards the end of the race but Rosberg managed to defend to take the victory and close the gap in the championship standings to 17 points.
Behind them, Felipe Massa took the third place podium trophy despite a five second stop/go penalty for speeding in the pit lane, and accidentally visiting the McLaren pit box by mistake. Fellow Williams driver Valtteri Bottas suffered with loose seatbelts and delayed pit stops to drop down the order.
Daniel Ricciardo broke a run of points finishes by retiring with broken suspension, and Romain Grosjean also failed to see the chequered flag, bringing his Lotus to a halt at the side of the track. Lewis Hamilton set the fastest lap of the race, taking the fastest lap trophy for the year.
