Rosberg jokes about Hamilton's statement: 'Feel that as disrespect'

F1 News

24 January 2022 at 16:19
Last update 24 January 2022 at 17:04
  • GPblog.com

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were teammates at Mercedes for four years. In his final year in Formula 1, Rosberg finally managed to beat the Briton to the world title, but the seven-time world champion does not consider him his best teammate.

Although Rosberg did manage to beat the Brit, Hamilton seems to have a remarkable opinion. Indeed, last year Hamilton described Valtteri Bottas as his best teammate when it was announced that the Finn would be leaving the team. Rosberg and Hamilton have known each other since the old days. They were once good friends, but that is no longer the case. The fierce rivalry at Mercedes has probably contributed to that.

During a Sky Sports broadcast, Rosberg is asked to respond to Hamilton's comments. "I do feel that as disrespect, I mean what did I do wrong?” the German jokes about the situation.

Different atmospheres 

According to Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas provided a healthy atmosphere within the team, which was not the case when he himself drove at Mercedes alongside Hamilton. As a result, the Briton probably sees him as his best teammate. Bottas was clearly the second driver during his five years at Mercedes and he, therefore, did not come close to Hamilton's times.

"He created a very good atmosphere, a very healthy atmosphere within the team, which was different to my time." Next season Hamilton will face a new challenge, as George Russell replaces Bottas as the second driver at Mercedes.