Nico Rosberg expects Lewis Hamilton to bag a record eighth Formula 1 World Title and hopes his former team Mercedes will challenge serial winners Red Bull next season.
While speaking to the Daily Mail, Rosberg firmly acknowledged Mercedes’ ability. He believed that there was a good chance that Hamilton could bag another title.
“I believe in Mercedes’ ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It’s always still the same people. So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year.”
Rosberg added that he would be happy to see Mercedes win because he considered them family. “I would be happy if Mercedes won because that’s kind of my racing family from the past. But then Lewis, I’m neutral there”, he added.
Hamilton and Rosberg had been teammates at Mercedes. The duo competed for a total of four seasons and battled for the world championship between 2014 and 2016. Hamilton had the upper hand that saw him beat Rosberg for the title in 2014. He repeated it in 2015.
Rosberg had to wait for his crowning moment before finally prevailing over his teammate in 2016. After his victory, Rosberg decided to retire from the sport.
Rosberg not backing his former teammate isn’t because of a tense relationship or bad blood between the two racers. The German just wants a good race in the championship final. He would prefer the deserving driver to win the competition.
“I just would like a great fight for the championship, and may the best driver win. But I’m not biased in that sense, obviously”, Nico said.
While Team Mercedes has shown some signs of struggle recently, Rosberg still has belief in his former organisation to challenge Red Bull next year.
In his interview, he further said, “We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Mercedes just recently. Look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car”.
The German also said that the team was now gradually understanding their machinery. According to him, Mercedes just has one problem which is inconsistency.
Rosberg has now taken a backseat as he donned the role of an F1 commentator.
Comments
0 comment