Rosberg suffered double disappointment around Monza, initially following practice as Mercedes was forced to revert to a previous spec engine after encountering a problem with the upgraded unit it took to the Italian venue, later discovered to be a leak in the cooling system.

Then on Sunday in the closing stages of the race the engine that was already high on mileage failed as Rosberg was trying to close in on Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel for second.

Although Rosberg was officially classified 17th, it was effectively Mercedes’ first retirement for 18 races since the German encountered a wiring loom fault in his steering wheel in last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.

“Monza was not an easy weekend,” said Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

“Both drivers produced very strong performances, but unfortunately only one got the result he deserved.

“When you are in a position like we currently enjoy, expectations are extremely high, and none more so than among our own people.

“This was our first retirement of the season which shows how far we have come, but also that we are not invincible.

“Every detail matters and we are trying to take care of all of them, so we take lessons from our failures and look to get back on top with both cars in Singapore.

“We must be at our best there – and at each race that follows – to make sure the job is done.”

Executive technical director Paddy Lowe has also stated it is time for Mercedes “to regroup” after the team “let Nico down on two occasions with a pair of mechanical failures”.

Rosberg has conceded it was “gutting to miss out on a good result so close to the end”, especially as it has left him 53 points adrift of team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the battle for this year’s world title.

Despite the size of Hamilton’s lead, a defiant Rosberg said: “I approach the final seven races with the attitude that there’s nothing to lose.

“It’s maximum attack and I won’t be giving up the fight, no way, with Singapore one of my favourite races, so that’s a good place to start.

“I know I’ve the pace to win there, so I’m hoping for a clean weekend.”