Ex-Hamilton F1 Rival Rosberg on Key Verstappen Difference: “I Got Like Three-Tenths Slower, He Gets Like Two-Tenths Faster”

Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg gave out his list of the Top 5 drivers of 2021. Interestingly, he put world champion Max Verstappen above Lewis Hamilton on his list.

Rosberg stated that Max’s command in the wheel-to-wheel battles against Lewis really impressed him. He mentioned that Verstappen really took the battle to Hamilton in the qualifying sessions. But Rosberg claimed it was the Red Bull driver’s performance in the pressure moments that gave him the title in 2021.

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Nico Rosberg puts Max Verstappen above Lewis Hamilton in his list

In his post-season analysis of the top-5 drivers on his YouTube channel, the former Mercedes driver said that Lewis got worse in pressure situations. On the contrary, Max goes even faster than anyone on the grid when pressure mounts on the driver.

“That’s just crazy. The level also during the most pressured moments, Verstappen almost gets better when the pressure is high. I got like three-tenths slower when the pressure was high. He gets like two-tenths faster, it’s crazy.

I don’t know how he does it. Verstappen number one. If you take bad luck into consideration, he probably had a bit more bad luck.” said Rosberg.

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with the Netherlands flag on the podium as Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton looks on after finishing second REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

“Also the level in the wheel to wheel racing, Lewis is the best in the wheel to wheel racing, but Verstappen, you probably have to say he was even better.” said the former world champion.

It is interesting to hear the views of Nico Rosberg. Admittedly, the Dutch driver did not really flinch at any point of the season in pressure situations. He always had a calm approach whenever he was defending or attacking his title rival in the races.

What do you think about who was better in pressure situations in the 2021 season, Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen? Let us know.

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The post Ex-Hamilton F1 Rival Rosberg on Key Verstappen Difference: “I Got Like Three-Tenths Slower, He Gets Like Two-Tenths Faster” appeared first on EssentiallySports.