Share

F1: Nico Rosberg tips Mercedes to beat Ferrari

Ital7 - Former Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg is not sure Ferrari has the ability to stay ahead of Mercedes in 2017.

A year ago, it was the now-retired German who was en-route to the world championship for Mercedes, but now he is merely watching as former team mate Lewis Hamilton pushes to catch title leader Sebastian Vettel.

'Hard to believe'

 Rosberg told Sport Bild:  "Ferrari did a really great job over the winter.

"But from now on it is a development race.

"And I find it hard to believe that Ferrari can keep up.  After Silverstone I already thought 'That's it now' and was surprised to see Ferrari fight back in Hungary.

"But Spa will once again be a real Mercedes track and Ferrari is unlikely to have a chance." 

However, Rosberg thinks Vettel is Ferrari's ace card, even though his German countryman is susceptible to the kind of "extreme" emotional outbursts as was seen in Baku.

Vettel's thick skin

Rosberg added: "We know that he does not control his emotions sometimes. Last year we already saw that on the radio in Mexico.

"But this thick skin in the consequences of such an action is also a strength of Sebastian's.

"In the short term and in the moment it may seem weak, but over a whole season that can actually make the difference.

"His basic character, in spite of everything else, is poised for victory, and that cannot hurt." 

Summer kisses. #ScuderiaFerrari #HungarianGP #Seb5 #SF70H #F1 #Ferrari #PrancingHorse

A post shared by Scuderia Ferrari (@scuderiaferrari) on

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()