Nico Rosberg says he has not noticed any change in the way his Mercedes W06 feels over the past few grands prix, somehow rebuffing Lewis Hamilton's claims.
Since the Briton wrapped up his third title in Austin last month, the German has had the upper hand and dominated from pole in both Mexico and Interlagos. Rosberg also is on a five pole positions run, having not been beaten on Saturday since Suzuka.
In the wake of his Brazil GP defeat, Hamilton declared that “since Singapore, there have been some changes to our car”, hinting that this would have given a fresh impetus to the other side of the Mercedes garage.
“I am not really sure what [Lewis] is referring to, but there is no change in the feel of the car or anything,” Rosberg replied when asked about his team-mate's remarks.
“For me it was always very close before and now it’s just swung the other way. It’s very close but I’m ahead now and I’m quicker and that’s it.
“Last year I was quicker in qualifying and the beginning of this year I was not and now I am again, so it’s just been to-ing and fro-ing a little bit and at the moment I’m the one with the upper hand.”
That does not mean Rosberg is not keen to find an edge over Hamilton in trying to steer Mercedes’ development to his needs, though he admits any future improvements will most likely benefit both drivers.
“There are always some small bits and pieces where I’m trying to get them to change some stuff, which I feel could be beneficial. But more often than not it’s also helpful for the other guy. It’s seldom that something will just help me and not Lewis, but of course there are things I am trying to push for.”
Unfinished business: the scores still to be settled in Abu Dhabi
Chris Medland's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview
Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features
Click here for exclusive pictures of the Ferrari power unit
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
