NICO ROSBERG says George Russell’s “phenomenal” form will provide ultra motivation for Lewis Hamilton because the seven-time world champion “hates” losing to a teammate.
Hamilton, 37, claimed his first podium in almost three months when he finished third at Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix — one place ahead of Russell in the other Mercedes.
But Russell, in his first season alongside Hamilton, is 34 points ahead of his more illustrious teammate in the standings.
The result in Montreal on Sunday brought an end to a run of eight races – including Imola’s sprint round – where Hamilton has taken the chequered flag behind his compatriot.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Any Driven Monday programme, Rosberg, who defied Hamilton to win the 2016 world title before retiring a handful of days later, said: “Make no mistake, Lewis hates passionately to ever come second to a team-mate.
“He will be ultra motivated and pushing very hard internally.
“Lewis is still driving at his best. He has just had an unbelievably unlucky season so far and different things have gone against him.
“Canada was the first weekend in a while that was normal for him and he delivered in the usual awesome way.”
Russell, 24, is the only driver to finish in the top five at each of the nine Grands Prix so far.
In Montreal’s rain-hit qualifying, he took the bold decision to strap on a set of slicks in a banzai move for pole position before spinning off at the first corner.
Former Mercedes driver Rosberg, 36, continued: “What an awesome job George has done this year – it is phenomenal.
“With that car and how difficult it is to drive, to be so consistent, driving so well, not making any mistakes and always getting the maximum out of it, is really brilliant.
“Even on Saturday, one would think, keep it safe and qualify fourth or fifth.
“But he said, ‘no, I am going for gold and I am going to be the only driver out there to put slicks on, and I only care about pole position’, and that is really awesome.
“The driver pairing at Mercedes is incredible, so strong, and it will be nice to watch how it continues to unfold.”
Listening to the Sky sports panel. Alan McInally seems to be genuinely confused as to why Wayne Rooney has been left on the bench!! Christ where did they get him from??
Everton Robert. In 2004.
He’s on for the second half – I’ve never seen a United team as devoid of passion or any spark as this one. Christ it’s bleak.
You’re not wrong Robert. Painful to watch. Fellaini is absolute shite as usual.
I will not lie, the way they play is horrendous, but these comments sections make up for it!
Fellaini not the worst of them. Memphis, herrera and blind all absolute rubbish. And all bought by van gaal.
He’s out of shape and has been for his entire career. Rooney has coasted on talent and cut every possible corner. It’s no wonder that he’s 30 and looks and plays like a 35 year old.
He has played top level first team football sooner then most. No suprise the body is starting to get weary.
Compare him physically to Ronaldo. There is no comparison.
Its a weary story. He’s unmotivated, unfit, long long past his best, overindulged by LVG, grossly overpaid, a smoker/drinker/junk food fiend, basically an all round poor professional. He’s been sanitised by captaincy of England and without the old snarl is a neutered threat. He’ll never be the football statesman he’s angling to be. Plus he clearly fancies a swansong in Everton before retirement. Time to say goodbye
He wouldn’t get in the Everton team.
He’s a throw back to the footballers of the 1980s
Lvg in.
Dwight Yorke is a shocking pundit. Calling Rooney “Wazza” goes to show where his prerogative is.
Agree. One of the many brain dead cliche-ridden ex-player pundits that Sky use. Redknapp, Henry as well.
And I forgot to mention the sleep inducing Niall Quinn who tops the lot in my opinion.
So, he finally drops his worst player. The fans get what they want. He even brought him on for the second half to prove that he was right to drop him. Then, after all this time trying to get the guy dropped, there are still morons who question why he dropped him. I give in! Here’s how the game went:
http://whysayanything.com/2015/12/26/united-van-gaal-do-nothing-to-convince/
its time for Rooney to be moved on. He has been useless for the last 3 seasons. should have kept Hernandez
Looks more like a darts player than a footballer
Sad to see a pathetic Utd again today.
Watched a “must win” game today and there was only one team playing to win!
Fellani, Jones and Memphis are not Utd players and like LVG should be given their P45s. It’s the manner in which Utd are losing is the worst thing. No fight, class or willingness to win! Attitude is all wrong! That must stem from LVG and I include the mute Giggs in that. I watched the three management team sit quietly throughout the whole game. No giving out, cajoling or even given out instructions – just sitting mutely as another 3pts goes away. ‘ three stooges’.
I hear they are lacking confidence!! Their bank accounts are not and also no urgency!!! If inevitably Jose does get the job- he will have to sign quite a lot of “January players” and turn average players into workers. I wouldn’t bank on it- they will give the job to Giggs – who has not been able to change these players already !! Top 4 is a distant dream- get use to Thursday night football!!
Dude, on every article?
United looked better when he was on the pitch which is saying alot about what went on in the first half .
LVG is in a no win situation. He will pay the price like all managers of non performing teams. Rooney has been poor for a long time and really has been overrated for years. All great to see as a non utd supporter.
Fletcher scored.. Should have kept him as well I suppose