1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill predicts that Nico Rosberg will present a “more formidable” challenge to Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2016.
Given the German constructor’s dominance in the current 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged era, the pair has been fighting for the title pretty much on their own over the past two years, with Hamilton beating Rosberg twice in the final standings.
However, Rosberg ended his 2015 campaign on a high as he claimed six consecutive pole positions and won the final three grands prix. His record could have been even stronger but for race-ending technical issues in Italy and Russia, as well as a late-race error in the US.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hill believes the German can extend that momentum into the upcoming season.
“I think he is a little bit more formidable,” the Briton said. “I think after the Austin defeat, the day when he lost the championship and Lewis infamously tossed the cap and he tossed it straight back, there was a moment where Nico said 'okay, I am not going to take this anymore' and he did go ahead and win all the remaining races.”
By clinching the 1996 title with Williams, Hill became the first son of a former F1 world champion to emulate his father’s achievement – Graham Hill won the 1962 and 1968 championships with BRM and Lotus respectively.
The 55-year-old thinks Rosberg has what it takes to join him in that unique club.
“He can go on ahead and become the other world champion's son to become a world champion himself. He probably knows time is running out and when you get all those ingredients together you maybe get a little bit of a hardening of the determination. Maybe he will be more determined this year and harder to beat.”
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