Nico Rosberg admits Lewis Hamilton "drove like a world champion" after being beaten by his team-mate in the Australian Grand Prix.

Questioned by a jubilant Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rosberg conceded his runner up status on the Melbourne podium, gallantly acknowledging Hamilton's dominant performance. But he also made clear that it's early days and he is resolute on getting the upper hand over his team-mate.

"Lewis drove like a world champion today but I was driving to the max every lap and I will be doing my best to give this guy a big run for his money," said the German who also praised his team for the quality of the machinery provided to both drivers. "It's an absolutely stunning car they have given us."

Even with superior equipment however, Rosberg said it's never a walk in the park: "A lot is in the head not just during the whole race but during the whole season. To not make a mistake the whole way round while being challenged physically and mentally is demanding."

Click here for the full gallery from the Australian Grand Prix

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Miami GP: Friday's action in pictures

The action kicked off in earnest on Friday in sunny Miami on Friday, with Max…

6 mins ago

Ricciardo 'proud of what I did' with P4 on Sprint grid

Daniel Ricciardo has suffered a terrible start to his season with RB that left him…

34 mins ago

Leclerc ‘relieved’ to finally revive single-lap pace in sprint qualifying

Charles Leclerc expressed a sense of relief after securing a front-row starting position for the…

60 mins ago

Norris regrets 'pushing too hard' in final Sprint qualifying

Lando Norris had been looking in stellar form throughout qualifying for Saturday's Sprint race in…

2 hours ago

Verstappen surprised by sprint pole as RB20 felt ‘pretty terrible’

Max Verstappen admitted his surprise at securing the sprint pole position at the Miami Grand…

2 hours ago

Miami GP: Verstappen works his way up to Sprint pole

Max Verstappen managed to take pole position for Saturday's Miami GP Sprint race, but the…

3 hours ago