Rosberg believes Bottas has found the key to beating Hamilton

Only once in his Mercedes career has Lewis Hamilton been beaten for points come the end of the season, by Nico Rosberg in his title winning 2016 season.

But the German believes that his replacement, Valtteri Bottas, has discovered the secret to getting an edge over Hamilton.

Bottas sits one point ahead of the reigning champion in the standings after wins in Australia and Azerbaijan, and Rosberg says the key to beating Hamilton is to not annoy him.

Rosberg told SID news agency: "You should never annoy Lewis, if he gets angry, then he gets more motivated and concentrated and bites like a terrier.

"Valtteri has got the hang of something that I only found in my last season."