Rosberg lacks Hamilton's 'killer instinct' - Marko

London - It is Lewis Hamilton's "killer instinct" that in 2016 will deliver championship victory to him for a third consecutive time.

That is the view of Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, when asked to nominate a favourite in the increasingly two-horse title race between Hamilton and his Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg.

Another former Formula 1 driver, Marc Surer, agrees.

"Hamilton is a fighter"

Surer told Sport Bild magazine: "Lewis will be world champion this year for the fourth time." 

Surer said: "When Nico was so many points ahead at the beginning of the season, many people wrote Hamilton off. But look at where he is now.

"Nico is a perfect driver, but Hamilton is a fighter."

"Killer instinct will make the difference" 

Hamilton could fall behind Rosberg once again after the summer break, as he will take a grid penalty for using a sixth engine of the season.

But Red Bull's Marko thinks that after the nine remaining races of 2016, Hamilton will once again be champion.

Marko said: "He has the killer instinct that Rosberg does not, and at the end of the year, that is what will make the difference."

*Rosberg, like the rest of the drivers, is currently enjoying the summer break: 

Summer break ?? #qualityTime #bailey
?? by @paulripke pic.twitter.com/737Ho18iqG

— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) August 7, 2016