Nico Rosberg says that Max Verstappen's clear number one status at Red Bull makes life easier for the Dutchman compared to the rivalry the German endured at Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton.
Although Rosberg and Hamilton, who were paired together at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016, initially enjoyed a harmonious relationship, several fierce on-track battles and clashes between the two instilled a contentious rapport that proved very difficult to manage for team boss Toto Wolff.
In 2016, Rosberg eventually gained the upper hand over his teammate and won the title. But the German's effort had been so intense and forceful that he retired from F1 just days after his milestone achievement, mentally drained and exhausted.
While Verstappen is up against some very strong competition, having the one-sided support of his crews and no inner-team rivalry to deal with is a significant advantage according to Rosberg.
"The whole team had to maintain a neutral attitude between Lewis and I," Rosberg explained, talking to Ital's La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There was a strange atmosphere within the team because it was clear that there was rivalry within our own garage.
"As a result, there was a spirit within the team that lacked balance - and that made it difficult to get closer together.
"I was in isolation at the most important point of my career.
"It should be easier for Verstappen - because he is seen as the number one driver by everyone. There is a calmer atmosphere at Red Bull."
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Former F1 driver and Channel 4 pundit David Coulthard recently said that Verstappen, thanks to his outstanding talent, is already one of Formula 1's greats. Rosberg agrees with the Scot, insisting the 2022 world champion has blow his mind this year.
"He has the fighting mentality just like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna and he doesn't make mistakes anymore," said the ex-Mercedes charger.
"No team-mate has been able to keep up with him and we are talking about Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez, who are not exactly bad drivers.
"Verstappen has blown my mind this year.
"He [had] a bad start to the season and Ferrari was superior at the time.
"He then went on to have a historic season with a total of 15 victories, with relatively few pole positions, often winning by moving forward.
"He will always be among the best five drivers.
"Certainly, he has won two world titles at the age of 25, and has already won more races than Fernando Alonso.
"He has enormous talent and is now complete."
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