(Motorsport-Total.com) – The 2016 Formula 1 world champion, Nico Rosberg, sees Lewis Hamilton on the best path to play an even bigger role in the 2026 title fight after his victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. The German emphasizes above all the psychological effects of the victory and speaks of important momentum for the Ferrari driver.
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Hamilton had adaptation difficulties at Ferrari. After a mixed first season, however, the seven-time world champion now seems to have finally arrived at the Scuderia. Even before his triumph in Barcelona, the Briton had underlined his rising form with second places in Monaco and Canada, as well as third place in China.
Rosberg, who was Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes between 2013 and 2016, is pleased with the development of his former rival: “I can honestly enjoy it with him. And I just congratulated him,” Rosberg explains on Sky Sports F1. “I was very happy to congratulate him, because it’s great.”
Rosberg is pleased with Hamilton’s development
The German also recalls Hamilton’s difficult initial phase at Ferrari: “I really sympathized with the difficulties he had at the beginning of his time at Ferrari. It was terrible to watch. And now he’s just really blossoming, practically flying, confident and enjoying it, and that’s just great.”
Rosberg particularly highly values the importance of the success in Barcelona. “This victory is historic. It is spectacular. So a great day for him and for the sport,” emphasizes the former world champion.
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From the perspective of the 40-year-old, the recent success could have far-reaching consequences for the rest of the season. Rosberg refers to the psychological effect that can arise from several strong results in a row.
Positive streak strengthens Hamilton in title fight
“He is now also getting into this positive upward spiral,” says Rosberg. “You achieve positive results, you are more motivated, you become happier, you work harder. This will drive him even further together with his team. There is incredible momentum there right now.”
In fact, Hamilton has also gained ground in the drivers’ standings with his victory in Spain. The Ferrari driver is currently in second place overall and was able to reduce the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. This is because the Mercedes driver retired early in Barcelona due to technical problems.
Rosberg’s assessment thus primarily underlines an aspect that can often be decisive in a long Formula 1 season: In addition to pure on-track performance, self-confidence, team morale, and a series of positive results play an important role. It is precisely in these areas that the former world champion currently sees advantages on the side of Hamilton and Ferrari.
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