Hamilton credits Rosberg’s level as Mercedes rivalry intensifies
Lewis Hamilton insists Nico Rosberg has not slipped in performance during their 2015 title battle, attributing his own edge to personal improvement rather than any decline from his teammate.
Lewis Hamilton has rejected claims that Nico Rosberg has lost ground in their ongoing Mercedes rivalry, stating that his teammate is still performing at a high level in the 2015 Formula One season. Hamilton, who leads the championship, put his current advantage down to improvements in his own driving rather than any drop in Rosberg’s form.
The two Mercedes drivers have again dominated the championship, echoing their 2014 duel. While Hamilton has generally had the upper hand, with team chairman Niki Lauda describing him as “unbeatable” after Spa, speculation has persisted that Rosberg has failed to match last year’s pace. Hamilton dismissed this, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport, “Rosberg is still driving at a high level. He has not gone backwards, but I have improved in a number of areas.”
Hamilton’s new contract with Mercedes has ended any immediate talk of a move, despite the Briton’s regular links to Ferrari. He clarified that his conversations with Ferrari have been limited to his interest in their road cars, not a switch to the Scuderia’s F1 team. Hamilton said he feels comfortable at Mercedes and is focused on his own ambitions, which centre on equalling Ayrton Senna’s tally of three world championships rather than chasing Michael Schumacher’s record.
Rosberg’s late-season response
While Hamilton has led much of the season, the closing races saw Rosberg respond strongly. After a costly mistake in Austin handed Hamilton the title, Rosberg regrouped, winning the final three races of the year. Sky Sports F1’s Martin Brundle pointed to a shift in Rosberg’s mindset following the US Grand Prix, noting a new determination and composure under pressure. Brundle argued that Rosberg’s upturn was about his own progress, not Hamilton faltering.
Rosberg’s improved qualifying performances and race starts were especially evident in the season’s final stretch. His pole lap at Abu Dhabi was singled out by analysts as one of the best of the year, underlining the fine margins at play between the two Mercedes drivers.
Focus shifts to 2016
Both Mercedes drivers will remain with the team for 2016, setting up a third consecutive season of intra-team rivalry. Observers expect Rosberg’s late-season momentum to carry over, while Hamilton’s stated aim is to match Senna’s three titles. The dynamic between the pair, and whether Rosberg’s resurgence continues, will shape the early narrative of the next campaign.
For more on the Hamilton–Rosberg dynamic, seeHill Says Hamilton Underestimated Rosberg.
