Rosberg doesn't believe in good relationship between Verstappen and Leclerc

Nico Rosberg is questioning the good relationship between title rivals Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. The German, who was himself in a heated rivalry with Lewis Hamilton in 2016, thinks it is only a matter of time until we see the first clashes.

In conversation with Eurosport.de the 2016 F1 World Champion comes to talk about the seemingly good relationship between this year's four title rivals. Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz, Verstappen and Leclerc seem to be getting along well, while their teams Red Bull Racing and Ferrari are direct rivals in the championship. Footage went viral of the four drivers laughing together over a video they were watching on their phones. Footage also showed Verstappen going to Leclerc to comfort him after the Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Rosberg doesn't fully trust good relationship between Leclerc and Verstappen

Eurosport asks the German how surprising the good relationship between the drivers is. Rosberg: "They have known each other since childhood and they respect each other because they know they are both great talents. I just don't think these images paint the full picture." Rosberg thinks back to his heated battle with Hamilton in 2016: "These are images that you could have found of me and Lewis too, while we were laughing. In any case, it's very intense, even though Charles is far behind in the championship. He's not a direct danger to Max."

The former Mercedes driver's fight with his teammate Hamilton is often described as a psychological game. The two tried to sway each other at every possible moment on and off the track by making certain comments to the media and on the track just focusing on each other. On the current title fight, Rosberg says: "Remarkably, they have had very few dangerous or controversial situations together. But we are still waiting for that. Then it will look very different again."