Nico Rosberg is sure Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton “is going to come back” in the title fight after the German won the opening two rounds of the 2016 F1 season.
Despite starting again behind the triple world champion in Bahrain, Rosberg enjoyed a great getaway that set him up nicely to seal a comfortable victory. With a perfect score of 50 points, the 30-year-old now has a 17-point lead over Hamilton in the Drivers’ championship.
While the Briton has not had the smoothest start to his title defence, Rosberg expects his rival to bounce back.
“I am not rejoicing in his issues, I am really focussed on doing my job and getting the perfect start as I did [in Sakhir] and beating him in that way,” said Rosberg, who suffered his fair share of reliability issues in 2015.
“Lewis is going to come back, I know that because he has been so strong in the last two years.”
By clinching his 16th career win, Rosberg has not been defeated since last year’s United States Grand Prix. When asked about his five-race winning streak, the German, who lost out to Hamilton in the past two championships, insists there is no silver bullet to his current success.
“I haven't changed my approach in any way. I was flat out last year and it didn't go my way, now in the first two races it has gone much more my way.
“I am not thinking about the whole season. I am taking it race-by-race, enjoying the moment. I want to make the most of it and win more races.
“I'm privileged to be driving this car, I go to China and I know I will be fighting for the win and that is such a great feeling to have. It's great to celebrate with the team and it stops there for me. I'm just living in the moment.”
RACE REPORT: Rosberg beats Raikkonen to win in Bahrain
AS IT HAPPENED: Bahrain Grand Prix
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