Sep.19 (GMM) Nico Rosberg says there is still “respect” between himself and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.
With his victory in Singapore – his third on the trot – German Rosberg recaptured the lead of the world championship.
It was on the occasion of his 200th career grand prix, but earlier Hamilton had answered “Not really” when asked if he wanted to congratulate Rosberg on the milestone.
However, Briton Hamilton was then the first to congratulate Rosberg as he emerged from his cockpit after winning on Sunday, and he was also complimentary of his championship rival’s win throughout the post-race interviews.
Asked if that praise had been a surprise, Rosberg told Germany’s Auto Bild: “No, the respect between us is still there.
“I had a good weekend so it’s normal that he recognises that. I would do exactly the same the other way around, and have done in the past,” he added.
Rosberg, however, did not want to talk about the likelihood of keeping his new championship lead throughout the final six races of 2017.
But he was happy to hear about boss Toto Wolff’s claim that Rosberg is currently in the form of his life.
“It’s good to hear that. They are cool words from Toto!” he exclaimed.