Nico Rosberg says former team-mate Lewis Hamilton is “probably the best ever” driver Formula 1 has seen in terms of talent.
Having already claimed the most ever wins, pole positions and podiums in F1 history, Hamilton is currently chasing a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ title.
The Briton is often compared alongside Michael Schumacher, who held much of the records prior to Hamilton’s success.
Rosberg partnered both drivers during his time at Mercedes, driving alongside Schumacher from 2010 through 2012, prior to Hamilton’s arrival in 2013.
“Lewis is just an extreme natural talent, in terms of talent, he must probably be the best ever,” Rosberg told Sky.
“And he really builds on that, that instinct is phenomenal with him. A big difference is diligence.
“Lewis hates testing. And Michael would do tests every day, even though he is a seven-time World Champion – but he also knows that you can still learn a little bit. It’s just diligence, passion.”
Hamilton is currently locked in battle with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the 2021 title, with the latter leading the championship by six points.
However, the fight has not always been clean, with the duo involved in a number of on-track clashes this season.
Rosberg highlighted Hamilton’s image both on and off the track, and commended his ability to be rarely deemed responsible for incidents.
“What he [Hamilton] does very well is the whole politics, with the media. He acts very, very cleverly,” said Rosberg.
“And even on the track, when you go into the grey areas, it’s somehow never really his fault. It’s always the opponent’s fault.”
The title fight between Hamilton and Verstappen will continue this weekend at the United States Grand Prix, F1’s first trip to the Circuit of the Americas since 2019.
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