STUTTGART, Germany - Nico Rosberg's attitude as he raced to defeat in the final Formula 1 race of 2014 in Abu Dhabi perfectly encapsulated the Mercedes spirit.
That was the view of Daimler supremo Dieter Zetsche in an internal Christmas letter to employees which has been seen by Germany's Sport Bild.
The letter came at the end of a stunningly successful season for the German brand which utterly dominated the 2014 F1 championship.
'DON'T GIVE UP'
Rosberg’s team mate Lewis Hamilton won the Drivers' crown but it was Rosberg's attitude as he battled with his failing Mercedes that truly impressed Zetsche.
He recalled how Rosberg, 29, was called into the pits to retire his dying car but instead asked to be allowed to push on to the chequered flag.
Zetsche wrote: "It was not just about the chequered flag it was a matter of principle. ‘Don't give up’.
"This attitude is the same as our colleagues who worked for these achievements step by step in recent years.”