Rosberg: Ferrari missing 'details and team cohesion'

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Nico Rosberg believes Ferrari suffered this season from a lack of team cohesion, but the former F1 driver backed Sebastian Vettel and the Scuderia to bounce back in 2019.

Vettel gave reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton a run for his money for the better part of the 2018 campaign, but mistakes by both team and driver ultimately undermined the German driver's title hopes as Mercedes gained the upper hand.

However, if Ferrari can carry its strengths into next season and correct its weaknesses, labeled as "details" by Rosberg, the Scuderia will bring the title back to Maranello according to the 2016 world champion.

"Basically, Ferrari just needs to continue in 2019," he told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"They managed to build a brilliant car. On that basis, I trust them that they will come back very strongly from the winter break."

Vettel plans to give Hamilton a 'harder run' in 2019

But ironing out the inefficiencies and flaws will be a prerequisite for Ferrari.

"They made so many strategy mistakes, also in team cohesion," added Rosberg, referring to the Scuderia's reluctance to implement team orders to support Vettel's efforts.

"It was weird because Ferrari always led the way with team orders. But as a driver, if you feel that you do not have full support, it can affect you in your mind and your focus.

"If you do not agree with your team - and in Sebastian's case rightly so - it is difficult.

©Ferrari

"We also can't forget that Sergio Marchionne was very strongly involved with the team. But you have to say that Mercedes managed to compensate without Niki Lauda.

"Nevertheless, I don't see 2019 as Sebastian's last chance. It's just another chance," said the German.

"He had a tough year and took a lot of criticism, but it was exactly the same situation for me in 2015. Lewis drove perfectly and I made mistakes.

"What's important is that you build up the confidence again, and Sebastian can do that. He's still one of the best drivers out there."

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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.