Rosberg on tussle with Verstappen: 'The media are knocking it up again'

Earlier this month Max Verstappen and Nico Rosberg had some words back and forth. The former world champion criticized Verstappen, who then reacted sharply. Rosberg has nuanced his criticism.

Rosberg had said on German television that Verstappen would better understand how good Lewis Hamilton is after the Portuguese Grand Prix. Verstappen then responded back to that. "I don't need Nico to see how good Lewis is. I already know he's very good, otherwise you don't win so many championships," he responded irritably during a press conference.

During the Mercedes domination, Rosberg was the only driver who managed to beat Hamilton and become world champion in 2016. After a thrilling battle, the German finally managed to win the title in the very last race.

At Sky Sports Rosberg nuanced his criticism of Verstappen somewhat. According to him it is all made bigger than it is. "Verstappen indeed said he didn't need me to see how good Hamilton is. I'm a fan of Max, but the media are knocking it up again. Of course I am critical from time to time in my role as an analyst, but I am really a huge fan of Max," Rosberg said.