2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has playfully compared himself to Max Verstappen, as the Dutchman enjoys a record-breaking success streak.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosberg claimed that he could have easily secured eight consecutive victories if he had not been hampered by his brutal fight with teammate Lewis Hamilton, resulting in an unfortunate incident in Spain.
Rosberg, one of only five drivers in history to have secured seven or more consecutive victories, was speaking after Verstappen tied his record.
Verstappen reached seven victories in a row after another dominant display in Hungary.
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Like Red Bull’s current string of consecutive victories, Rosberg’s seven wins in a row came across two seasons.
The German took P1 in the last three races of the 2015 season and the first four of the 2016 campaign.
However, the German driver lightheartedly expressed that his streak could have reached eight victories had it not been for the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix incident with Hamilton.
Recalling the race, Rosberg chuckled and said, “I would have had eight if Lewis hadn’t shunted me off in Barcelona, for those of you who remember that race in 2016. I’m laughing by the way for those of you who can’t see me now, because that was a joke.”
Shifting his focus to Max Verstappen’s remarkable form, Rosberg, who believes he is well-positioned to assess Verstappen’s performance, praised the Red Bull driver’s consistency and near-perfection on the track.
He pointed out the stark contrast between Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez, stating, “It’s incredible, really, to see such a performance from Max…
“He is so deserving because it’s incredible the level that he’s at, so close to perfection all the time.
“You have got to compare to the teammate.
“Look where Sergio Perez is.
“His best qualifying result in the last six Grand Prix was ninth on the grid, can you believe?
“And that’s with the same car and Sergio is a really good driver and knows how to drive a racing car.
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“So Max [in comparison] is just extraordinary.”
Verstappen’s success has put the Red Bull driver firmly on course to secure a third consecutive world championship.
The Dutchman could also smash another record if he claims victory in the next two races, equally Sebastian Vettel’s achievement of nine consecutive wins.