Mercedes’s Nico Rosberg: ‘Relationship with Lewis Hamilton always difficult’

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has admitted that his relationship with teammate Lewis Hamilton will ‘always be difficult’.

The pair have been tussling with one another for the championship title over the past two seasons, and just 19 points separate the two in the current campaign.

Rosberg had to watch Hamilton take the crown in the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and he has already been overtaken by the Brit at the top of the drivers’ rankings.

When asked about his relationship with Hamilton, the 31-year-old told ESPN: “It’s up and down. It’s always going to be difficult, there is always so much going on and always so much at stake. We have the necessary respect and it’s a good battle.”

Following a summer break, the drivers will return to the track this weekend when they compete in the Belgian Grand Prix.