Current Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes Sebastian Vettel’s “thick skin” will see him maintain the fight to Mercedes in this year’s world championship battle.
The four-time world champion has managed to remain ahead of nearest challenger Lewis Hamilton throughout 2017, recently bolstering his lead back to 14 points after claiming victory in Hungary having seen a 25-point lead at one stage reduced to just one after Silverstone.
The 30-year-old has also been involved in some controversy, notably the incident with Hamilton in Baku when he intentionally banged wheels with the Briton, but the way he responds to potential adversity is what impresses Rosberg.
“We know that he does not control his emotions sometimes,” he told German publication Sport Bild. “Last year we already saw that on the radio in Mexico.
“But this thick skin in the consequences of such an action is also a strength of Sebastian’s. In the short term and in the moment it may seem weak, but over a whole season that can actually make the difference.”
Moving forward, Rosberg believes Vettel will face more situations where his talent and psyche will have to shine through as he claims Ferrari will struggle to maintain the pace of Mercedes in the final run to Abu Dhabi.
“Ferrari did a really great job over the winter,” he acknowledged. “But from now on it is a development race and I find it hard to believe that Ferrari can keep up.”
Indeed, the trend had backed that theory up with Mercedes winning three of the five races since Monaco and having much of the momentum against the Scuderia.
“After Silverstone, I already thought ‘That’s it now’ and was surprised to see Ferrari fight back in Hungary,” Nico revealed.
“But Spa will once again be a real Mercedes track and Ferrari is unlikely to have a chance,” he added.
