Nico Rosberg on the accusations about Hamilton: “Not good” / Formula 1

The Shanghai International Circuit has retained a special place in Nico Rosberg’s heart: Here the native of Wiesbaden achieved his first GP victory in 2012, in the third year of the return of the Silver Arrows, and Nico followed it up with 22 more successes, becoming world champion in 2016 then he passed away.

After the 206th race of the World Championship, the battery was empty and Rosberg knew: Leaving Lewis Hamilton behind him again would be very difficult. He preferred to retire as a champion.

Today Rosberg comments on the Formula 1 events in China for our colleagues at Sky. Nico is 38 years old, and considering the performances of Lewis Hamilton (age 39, second in fastest qualifying) and Fernando Alonso (42, third in fastest qualifying), the question arises: Nico wouldn’t be tempted to do that again? to try?

Nico immediately: “No, really, it’s over. I have a lot of respect for the success of Lewis and Fernando, but it’s nothing for me anymore.”

Lewis Hamilton will be a Ferrari driver at the start of 2025, as Charles Leclerc’s new partner. Nico Rosberg says: “I am very pleased with the strength between the two. Everyone knows that the people at Ferrari love Charles, but it will certainly not be easy for Hamilton. On the other hand, Leclerc is not someone who seeks conflict with his partners.

Former GP driver Karun Chandhok, who also works as a Sky pundit, interjects provocatively from English headquarters: “So like you.” The 40-year-old Indian clearly alludes to the tough, old rivalry between Rosberg and Hamilton.

Nico defends himself: “No, come on, that’s not good.” Then Rosberg immediately interrupts and adds: “So, in my opinion, things between Lewis and Charles will not be spicy. But Lewis must be careful: Leclerc is the second best qualifier in the field behind Max Verstappen. It will be a tough fight for both of them. .”

Did Nico Rosberg see Hamilton’s move to Ferrari coming? “No, I didn’t expect that,” admitted the German. “But when we look at the bigger picture, we quickly come to the conclusion – why?”

“Lewis has always been a fan of Ferrari and has often raved about the Italian cars. So why not mark the noble goal of becoming a Formula 1 racing driver and competing for two of the most famous racing teams in the world, for Mercedes, then Ferrari.”

“Perhaps this is the right time for Lewis to change teams in terms of competition. I remind you: When Hamilton signed for Mercedes, McLaren was a candidate for victory, Mercedes was behind. After leaving McLaren, English basically went the other way and things continued to improve with Mercedes. Maybe we will see something similar in 2025, this time in red.

Sprint Qualifying, China

01. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, 1:57,940 minutes
02. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, 1:59,201
03. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, 1:59.915
04. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 2:00,028
05. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, 2:00.214
06. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, 2:00.375
07. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, 2:00,566
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, 2:00.990
09. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Sauber, 2:01.044
10. Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, 2:03,537
11. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, 1:36,345
12. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, 1:36.473
13. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, 1:36.478
14. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Bull Racing, 1:36.553
15. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, 1:36,677
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, 1:37,632
17. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, 1:37,720
18. Alex Albon (T), Williams, 1:37,812
19. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Racing Bulls, 1:37,892
20. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, 1:37,923