Nico Rosberg is determined to take the championship fight to team-mate Lewis Hamilton after seeing his commanding points lead evaporate.
The Mercedes driver has witnessed a 43 point advantage over Hamilton cut to just nine following struggles in Monaco and Canada.
Hamilton has secured back-to-back wins in Monte Carlo and Montreal while Rosberg has laboured to seventh and fifth place finishes respectively.
Rosberg was plagued with tyre issues in Monaco while last weekend’s race in Canada was compromised by a start that saw him squeezed onto the grass by Hamilton at the opening turn, dropping him down the order.
Having been beaten by Hamilton to the title in the last two years, Rosberg is not prepared to let his grip slip on the championship lead ahead of this weekend’s maiden European Grand Prix at Baku.
“Canada unfortunately didn’t work out as planned. But that’s how things go when you’re pushing the limits and I’m not going to change my approach or start backing down,” said Rosberg.
“I’m in this championship battle to win it – not to settle for second best. Now we head to Baku, which is going to be a massive challenge.”
The recently constructed Baku street circuit is set to provide a new challenge for the field this weekend.
Coupled with the rise in performance of Ferrari and Red Bull, Rosberg expects to face a stern test as Formula 1 makes its debut in Azerbaijan.
“It’s a completely new track and a street circuit too, which makes it even more difficult,” he added.
“I’ve done some work in the simulator, of course, to get a feel for what to expect and to learn the layout.
“Ferrari and Red Bull are very close to our pace now, so any tiny difference we can find this weekend could make the difference.
“I’m excited to get out there, get to know the track and a new city and hopefully get myself back to the top after a tough few races.”
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