How long will things go well at Mercedes? 'Hamilton hates that'

Nico Rosberg is praising George Russell at Sky Sports, but is also warning against a Lewis Hamilton comeback. The German knows Hamilton like no other and sees a big fight bubbling up at his old team.

Russell in top form

Russell has started his first season with Mercedes rock solid. The Briton has not yet finished outside the top five, is fourth in the standings and 34 points ahead of his teammate. Rosberg has also noticed this and states that Russell is doing an excellent job. Especially how consistently the former F2 driver drives can be called remarkable.

In Canada, Russell took a risk in qualifying by going to slicks (too) early. It didn't work out well, but Rosberg can appreciate the action. ''On Saturday, one would think, 'okay, keep it safe, bring home another P4 or P5 in qualifying' but no. He said, 'I am going to put my slicks on, I only care about pole position'. That is really awesome.''

Mercedes not yet good enough

Hamilton has not always had luck on his side this year, but the seven-time world champion is also simply struggling against his teammate. ''Make no mistake, Lewis hates passionately to ever come second to a team-mate, so he will be ultra-motivated and pushing hard internally.''

Hamilton struck back in Montreal with a podium finish, and Mercedes seemed to be back in better shape at all. According to Rosberg, however, his former employer is not there yet. Ferrari and Red Bull Racing would still be ahead, according to him. ''They can't win at Silverstone, they are still too far away,'' concludes the 2016 world champion.