Nico Rosberg vowed to do “a better job next time” yesterday after another mistake proved expensive in his world title fight at the weekend.

As in Monza where a lock-up into the first chicane when leading the Italian Grand Prix cost Rosberg the victory, so he repeated the error at the start of Sunday’s race in Russia.

The 17-point deficit to Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton is the biggest Rosberg has faced this year.

“I just went completely wrong and I don’t understand it. It was actually an easy situation,” assessed Rosberg of his gaffe.

“It was the first time at the track, first time down there with 100kg (of fuel) in the tank. I just got it wrong completely.

“I know there was a chance to win which I gave away. I just need to do a better job next time.”