Nico Rosberg has promised to tone down his analysis of Formula 1 drivers following criticism at the Italian Grand Prix.
In Monza, Max Verstappen said the 2016 champion was the “new Jacques Villeneuve” after he had suggested the Dutchman was “his old self” after crashing on Lap 1 the previous Sunday at Spa.
Lewis Hamilton then jumped on top, accusing Rosberg of trying to keep his own profile alive by attaching himself to others.
“One of the things I hated most when I was still active as a driver was being confronted by journalists with criticism from former drivers. In my case, it was often David Coulthard, it made me crazy, really terrible,” the German admitted.
“I like to give these analyses, but at the same time, I have a lot of respect for the drivers.
“So, as I said, I always hated it when I was confronted with criticism from former drivers. So I have to change something there.
“I don’t want my former colleagues, whom I have great respect for, to hear that comment from me. I will, therefore, change my tone somewhat.”
Since retiring from racing after claiming his only F1 title, Rosberg has taken to vlogging on YouTube and pundits for Sky Sports both in English and German.