Rosberg sees advantage for Verstappen: "This is also a big mental game"

Nico Rosberg expects fireworks between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Not only during the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort but also during the rest of the season he expects the battle to get fiercer.

Verstappen has the advantage that he has already driven a few laps on the renewed Zandvoort circuit. The Dutchman doesn't find it necessary to practice on the simulator, which many drivers do. As an experienced expert, Rosberg understands how helpful that tool can be. "You learn all sorts of things, like the rhythm and where to steer. But the last details you have to find out on the circuit," he says in conversation with De Telegraaf.

Hamilton's former rival thinks Verstappen has the mental advantage in Zandvoort. "This is also a big mental race," Rosberg said. "For Lewis, it will be a tough weekend where he will have the fans against him. I expect there to be a lot of booing, I experienced that myself in the battle with Lewis."

The tension in the title race has already mounted considerably, and Rosberg, therefore, expects Silverstone to not be the last time the rivals clash. "I hope no crash, but that touché is definitely going to happen again soon. Max has always been an aggressive driver, and Lewis has said he won't hold back anymore either. It's impossible to predict who will come out on top. This will go on until the last race," concluded the 2016 world champion.