Nico Rosberg reveals the one Hamilton weakness he exploited

40

Lewis Hamilton was a tough act to follow for Nico Rosberg but eventually the reigning world champion found a crack in his team mate's armor.

Rosberg was back in the F1 paddock this weekend in Suzuka, lending his valuable expertise to the pundits of Sky F1.

Hamilton clinched perhaps a decisive win in Japan as he now leads arch rival Sebastian Vettel by a comfortable 59-point margin in the world championship.

For Rosberg, the Mercedes drivers' victory revived memories of his own triumph twelve months ago which put him on the rails to the world title.

But the German also revealed a seminal moment which took place that weekend, which he believes contributed to his success.

"It took a press conference that Lewis did to put him off a little bit," Rosberg added.

Rosberg not missing F1... but takes a dig at Bottas

Indeed, during the drivers' Thursday media conference at Suzuka in 2016, Hamilton, spent most of the time playing with his phone, posting images of himself and fellow drivers on social media.

The Briton was unanimously criticised by the media for what it considered a disrespectful attitude. Rosberg believes the remarks unsettled his team mate and rival.

"That gave me the win here last year," said the 2016 world champion.

"It unsettled his weekend a little bit and caused such a stir around him. He had a couple of mistakes, for example at the start, and that lost him the race. As a result I was able to pull away.

"Mentally, we [drivers] are completely on the edge. The intensity is so extreme and for these two guys it’s the championship that is on the line.

"Every little thing can tip it one way or the other."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.