Former teammate, Nico Rosberg, believes that the porpoising phenomenon and a certain Mr George Russell are bringing out the best in Lewis Hamilton.

Those familiar with Sky's F1 coverage will be aware that it is rare for the German to pay his former teammate - and former friend - a compliment, back-handed or otherwise.

Indeed, usually, when part of the broadcaster's coverage team, no matter the question, no matter the topic, the 2016 world champion will somehow turn it around in order to get in a swipe at the Briton.

However, appearing on Any Driven Monday, Rosberg paid credit to the seven-time champ, claiming that his current situation is bringing out the best in him.

"Lewis is driving at his best," says Rosberg. "He has just had an unbelievably unlucky season with all these different things going against him.

"This was a normal weekend and he delivered in the usual awesome way," he adds. "That driver pairing is so strong, incredible, but, make no mistake, Lewis hates passionately to ever come second to a team-mate, so he will be ultra-motivated and pushing hard internally."

Once the very best of friends, the relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton soured once they became teammates, and by the time the German secured the 2016 title they were barely on speaking terms.

Aware of the lion's den that Russell has boldly walked into, Rosberg is full of praise for the youngster, especially his decision to 'go it alone' in Q3 on Saturday in switching to slicks, even if it was a decision that didn't pay-off.

"George has done an awesome job, phenomenal with how difficult that car has been to drive. To be so consistent, driving so well, not making any mistakes, always getting the maximum out of it, he has been brilliant.

"On Saturday, one would think, 'okay, keep it safe, bring home another P4 or P5 in qualifying', but no, he said, 'I am going to put my slicks on, I only care about pole position'. That is really awesome."

Despite the improved performance of the W13 in Canada, Rosberg doubts the German team will trouble Red Bull or Ferrari at Silverstone.

"The car in the race was really decent," said Rosberg. "I thought it was so awesome how George right after the start made headway, passing one car after another down into the hairpin.

"I think they are making progress but there is still some way to go to Ferrari and Red Bull. They can't win at Silverstone, they are still too far away."

Pitpass isn't so sure... in this new age of F1, where so very much of it appears to be working to a script, surely a win for Lewis or George at Silverstone would be top box office... indeed, just what Netflix ordered.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Spindoctor, 25/06/2022 10:26

"@kenji - that's strange for the last few seasons you have railed against the dominance of a single team and supported the "underdogs" (if any organisation spending billions in F1 could be an underdog). RBR are now almost certain not only to win everything hands-down, but unless Ferrari sorts itself out, to come in 1\2 at most races.

Mercedes are now those lowly hounds. How's about a bit of that old spirit & support"

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2. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 24/06/2022 13:53

"Would be great if Russell could win his home race.

There are several Brit drivers, anyone would be awesome. Would be great if Aston Martin won since that is their headquarters. Unlikely though."

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3. Posted by kenji, 24/06/2022 1:38

"The very thought of a Mercedes 1/2 is too dreadful to contemplate. I don't even want to think about it. Leclerc would be my choice if I had to realistic."

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 23/06/2022 11:54

"We need a Lewis\George 1-2 (whatever the order) at Silverstone for a brilliantly scripted "come-back" by the Home Team. A Safety car or two & some dubious Stewarding could just make it happen to the delight of Liberty, Netflix & The Daily Mail (or maybe not them...)"

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5. Posted by Tardis40, 21/06/2022 22:30

"Unfortunately for him Max is better."

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6. Posted by jcr, 21/06/2022 19:40

"Could not have put it any better, Tutu has said the car is fixed,
He basically said in Sky interview that they raised the car,
Hammi made a miraculous recovery from nearly crippled after Bacu.
Netflix must be revelling in it all.
The panto that Merc have been putting on this season, will come to a grand finale, in Silverstone-
For the British tabloids it will be bigger than 1966"

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Lewis is driving at his best, says Roberg

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