Ferrari's tyre wear "will make it difficult for them tomorrow" says Rosberg

Former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is worried about Ferrari's chances in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix following their performance in the sprint race, and gave credit to Max Verstappen for his "relentless" display at Imola.

Rosberg, who won the 2016 Drivers' Championship with the Silver Arrows, has seen his former team drop off this season, with their place at the top of the standings being taken by Ferrari and Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc leads the championship from teammate Carlos Sainz and picked up seven crucial points in the sprint race after finishing second. It could, however, have been eight points but the Monegasque driver was overtaken for the lead on the penultimate lap by Verstappen.

After storming ahead in the early stages after jumping the Dutchman off the line, Leclerc suffered graining on his tyres which allowed Verstappen to close back up and eventually make a move. 

Rosberg expressed his concern over the state of Leclerc's tyres, especially given the fact the sprint race was only 21 laps and a fraction of what will be completed in Sunday's race.

What has Rosberg said?

Rosberg told Sky Sports after the sprint race: "[It's] certainly quite a worry for Ferrari because the tyre degradation was very big at the end there and the lap time difference between the two was quite significant. That will make it difficult for them tomorrow."

"Verstappen, that is just typical, so relentless and that is why he is one of those guys that you least want to see in your rear views rears going bigger and bigger because that guy is going attack giving it 100%."

Rosberg also offered his opinion on the sprint races, which have received criticism since their introduction into F1 last season. "I am loving these sprint races, why not, it was really fun to watch, really good action so I am all for it," he said.