Rosberg doesn't see Ferrari as F1 threat

Testing for the new Formula 1 season begins on February 1 and Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg is not expecting much improvement from Ferrari.

Nico Rosberg expects another Formula One title duel with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton but no challenge from fellow German and four-time former champion Sebastian Vettel, who is now at Ferrari.

Rosberg told Saturday's Bild daily that he is highly optimistic ahead of the season starting on March 15 in Melbourne, after three rounds of testing beginning February 1.

"I am fully optimistic and believe it will the duel Lewis against me again," Rosberg said.

Mercedes totally dominated the 2014 season in which Hamilton beat Rosberg for his second career world title. Mercedes also won the constructors' list, ahead of Red Bull, surprise team Williams and Ferrari.

Rosberg named Red Bull and Williams big rivals again but doesn't believe that Ferrari can turn around their fortunes despite getting Vettel from Red Bull.

Rosberg said changes can't be achieved overnight, as he knows from experience at Mercedes who struggled for several years before their breakthrough.

Ferrari have not won a race since 2013, their last constructors' title was 2008 and the last drivers' title (from Kimi Raikkonen) 2007.

"I don't wont to appear arrogant but if I go by the 2014 results I can risk it all and say no to a Ferrari challenge although one should never fully write them off," Rosberg said.

"Sebastian will see my tail lights on many occasions."


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world