Rosberg issues warning to Verstappen ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

Reacting to the Briton's lap in Q3 that earned him pole position for Sunday's race, Rosberg said: "That car is not supposed to be that far in front. And at such a gap to Verstappen and Piastri. Phenomenal lap from George," he praised Russell on Sky Sports.

About the battle into the first corner, the 2016 world champion continued: "George has done a great job, and he’s really standing up against Max Verstappen. He will stick it in there at Turn 1, even if Max is there. Respect."

Rosberg also sees a difference in terms of how the Mercedes driver approaches racing Verstappen, unlike Lando Norris, he pointed out. "Norris is often more on the losing end to these wheel-to-wheel battles with Verstappen; he’s not been as strong and as forceful as George. Also in the media, different dynamics and I quite like how he does it."

What makes this battle all the more unpredictable is that Verstappen is a single penalty point away from getting a race suspension by the stewards. In Barcelona two weekends ago, he collided with Russell, that led to him receiving three penalty points.

At the press conference after qualifying, the Briton said he doesn't expect the Dutchman to race any different this Sunday.

He also added: "I've got a few more points on my license to play with. Let's see."

The Canadian Grand Prix will begin today at 19:00 BST (14:00 local time).