Rosberg expects a big battle between Hamilton and Leclerc at Ferrari

F1 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg expects a fierce fight between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc next year when the two will be teammates at Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton stunned the sporting world earlier this year by announcing he would be leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025. At Maranello, the Briton will join Monegasque Charles Leclerc and Nico Rosberg when asked what he wants to do. he thinks of these two drivers of the future, Lewis Hamilton’s former team-mate says he expects a great domestic battle.

“We are all looking forward to this change. » Nico Rosberg, who drove alongside the seven-time world champion for Mercedes between 2013 and 2016, told Sky Sports.

“Charles doesn’t seem like a very confrontational person, so this will make things easier, maybe not too spicy. »

“However, Charles is probably second in qualifying after Max Verstappen, you can say at the moment, so it will be a tough battle for both of them. I think the level (of driving) will be the same, so it will be good to watch. »

On Lewis Hamilton’s choice to join Scuderia Ferrari after years in his “family” Mercedes, Nico Rosberg admits he was surprised, but the German believes his former team-mate needed a change.

“It was a big surprise. No one expected it. But if you are looking at the bigger picture, why not? » Rosberg added Hamilton’s option.

“He is nearing the end of his career. There are two famous teams – Mercedes and Ferrari – and I know Lewis has been a big fan of Ferrari road cars. So why not make this change and have a different experience and drive a car in red?”

“At the moment, in terms of performance, it seems like a good decision for him, and maybe he made a good choice like he did twelve years ago when he left McLaren for Mercedes. »

“McLaren was winning the race and Mercedes was nowhere, and as soon as he moved, McLaren went back and Mercedes started to win the race. Maybe he can get the same time again. »