2016 F1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes Lewis Hamilton would “deserve” to win an eighth Method 1 world title, however admits it seems to be unlikely for the time being given his present state of affairs and the teammate he has alongside him at Ferrari.
Following his fierce title battle with Max Verstappen in 2021, which was selected the ultimate lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion has by no means once more had a automobile able to preventing for the championship. Except for a handful of podiums and occasional victories, he has been properly out of title rivalry for the previous 5 years.
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The Briton even left Mercedes after 12 years to tackle one closing main problem with Ferrari, however his time in purple has thus far been marked by extra lows than highs, notably throughout his debut season final yr. Issues have improved this yr, with two podium finishes within the opening 5 races, however the SF-26 nonetheless falls in need of the benchmark workforce, which has as soon as once more turn into his former outfit.
Rosberg doubts Hamilton can safe eighth Method 1 world title
Talking on the Excessive Efficiency podcast, Rosberg stated would need to win an eighth Method 1 world title and backed him to proceed making progress this season. He believes the Ferrari driver is able to profitable at the least one race this yr, however feels each the automobile and Hamilton’s present stage fall quick of what’s required to mount a championship problem. Rosberg however hopes to see additional enchancment because the season progresses, including that even the game’s highest-paid stars nonetheless face very actual struggles regardless of their success.
“Sure, in fact, and he would deserve it. It will be nice to see him maintain progressing as he has into this yr. And I feel he’ll win a race at the least this yr. However to get the championship, the automobile shouldn’t be ok, and his stage shouldn’t be fairly there but, however hopefully he can nonetheless enhance all through the season. Regardless that the very best are incomes $50 million a yr, the struggles are nonetheless actual.
Photograph: Race Photos
Photograph: Race Photos
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“Lewis Hamilton, incomes tons of cash at Ferrari, if you happen to ask him about final yr and the way horrible was it on a scale of 1 to 10, he would offer you a ten. Coming to a brand new workforce, the entire of Italy slowly however absolutely turning towards him as a result of he’s not delivering, his youthful teammate beating him…that may be a horrible state of affairs to be in and that will not have been a lot enjoyable so you’re on the sting.”
Rosberg described Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari as one other main problem and acknowledged the difficulties that include it. He famous that the Briton has tailored much better to the present rules than he did final season, however harassed that he’s up towards a formidable benchmark in Charles Leclerc. In line with Rosberg, the Monegasque is at the moment on the peak of his talents and ranks among the many standout drivers of his era, making Hamilton’s activity much more demanding.
“Now he takes on one other large problem at Ferrari, and an enormous battle. It’s getting higher as a result of with these new rules he’s performing significantly better than he was final yr. However he’s up towards Charles Leclerc who’s on the peak of his capability, and he is among the biggest drivers of this era so it will be troublesome.”
