Nico Rosberg has said that he respects Mercedes's opinion after being denied the opportunity to overtake his teammate at the Malaysian Grand Prix earlier today.

The German driver, who finished the race in fourth place, was told by team principal Ross Brawn not to try to pass Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages.

The 27-year-old told reporters after the race: "It's a team effort and I respected the team's opinion.

"For the team to want us to bring it home third and fourth is fully understandable and I know if it had been the other way around, they would've done the same thing. There will be times to fight between teammates in the future.

"I wouldn't say they owe me one because I understand. I drive for Mercedes and the guys at home who put their life into building the cars and do such a fantastic job."

Hamilton has said that he believes Rosberg should have been on the podium.