Has Perez let F1 fans down? | How to manage Russell-Hamilton rivalry | Will Piastri raise Norris' game at McLaren?

Former F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg joins Matt Baker to answer your questions ahead of the United States Grand Prix from Austin.

They discuss whether Sergio Perez has let F1 fans down by not pressuring Max Verstappen for the drivers championship

Nico gives his inside knowledge on how Mercedes can manage the Russell-Hamilton rivalry

And they look at whether Oscar Piasri's rise in form will raise Lando Norris' game in the McLaren.

# Nico Rosberg's Exclusive Q&A Session on Sky Sports F1 Podcast

## Introduction

In this captivating podcast episode, former Formula One World Champion, Nico Rosberg, joins Matt Baker to engage in an insightful Ask Me Anything session. The podcast delves into various topics related to Formula One, including Sergio Perez's performance, the dynamics between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at Mercedes, and Oscar Piastri's impact on Lando Norris at McLaren.

## Key Points and Discussion

### Sergio Perez's Performance

* Sergio Perez has been criticized for not challenging Max Verstappen for the Drivers' Championship.
* Rosberg empathizes with Perez's situation, having faced similar pressure while competing against Lewis Hamilton.
* Rosberg believes that Perez's struggles may be due to Verstappen's exceptional talent, but he also acknowledges that Perez has underperformed.

### Managing the Russell-Hamilton Rivalry at Mercedes

* Nico provides his insights on how Mercedes can effectively manage the growing rivalry between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
* He emphasizes the importance of Toto Wolff's role in maintaining neutrality and preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.
* Rosberg draws parallels to his own experience with Lewis Hamilton and highlights the significance of open communication and individual discussions to resolve tensions.

### Oscar Piastri's Impact on Lando Norris at McLaren

* Nico discusses Oscar Piastri's impressive performances and his potential to become a multiple race winner in Formula One.
* He acknowledges that Piastri still needs time to develop and prove his ability to consistently challenge Lando Norris.
* Rosberg expresses concern over Lando Norris' recent mental struggles and suggests that he should focus on avoiding negative self-talk and maintaining a positive mindset.

### McLaren's Transformation

* Nico commends McLaren's remarkable turnaround, transforming from having one of the slowest cars to one of the fastest during the season.
* He attributes this success to the team's adoption of a different car concept, inspired by Red Bull's design.
* Rosberg emphasizes the significance of the young regulations, which have allowed teams to make significant improvements.

### Nico Rosberg's Future Aspirations

* When asked about a potential comeback as a race driver, Nico expresses his admiration for Mercedes and Ferrari but acknowledges that it would be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor.
* He discusses the physical and mental demands of Formula One racing and the extensive preparation required to return to the sport.

### Oscar Piastri's Potential

* Nico believes that Oscar Piastri has the potential to become a multiple race winner in Formula One.
* He cautions that Piastri still needs time to develop and prove his ability to consistently challenge Lando Norris.
* Rosberg emphasizes the importance of mental strength and resilience for drivers, drawing from his own experiences working with a psychologist to improve his mental performance.

### Team Principal Role

* Nico expresses his reservations about becoming a team principal due to the demanding nature of the role and his desire to prioritize his family time.
* He acknowledges that he may have strengths in managing drivers, engineers, and strategy, but he lacks the necessary experience in human resources and politics.

### Favorite Formula One Drivers

* Nico names Mika Häkkinen, his father Keke Rosberg, and Juan Pablo Montoya as his top three favorite Formula One drivers of all time.
* He explains his admiration for Häkkinen's skills and his father's accomplishments, as well as his excitement watching Montoya's battles with Michael Schumacher.

### Las Vegas Grand Prix

* Nico expresses excitement about the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, acknowledging the unique opportunities it presents for drivers.
* He also recognizes the increased media commitments and the challenges of learning a new track, but he believes the overall experience will be positive.


# Nico Rosberg and Matt Baker Discuss Formula One's Hottest Topics

## Sergio Perez's Performance Under Scrutiny

- Sergio Perez's lack of challenge to Max Verstappen for the drivers' championship has disappointed fans.
- Rosberg, a former world champion, offers his perspective on the situation.

## Managing the Russell-Hamilton Rivalry at Mercedes

- Rosberg, having been in a similar situation as a Mercedes driver, shares his insights.
- He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and mutual respect between the drivers.

## Oscar Piastri's Impact on Lando Norris at McLaren

- Piastri's recent strong performances have raised expectations for McLaren.
- Rosberg analyzes the potential impact on Norris and the team's dynamics.

## The Potential Entry of Andretti into Formula One

- Rosberg expresses his support for Andretti's bid to join Formula One.
- He acknowledges the concerns of existing teams regarding revenue sharing.

## Nico Rosberg's Favorite Ice Cream Flavor

- Rosberg reveals his favorite flavor from his ice cream shop in Ibiza, Vivi's Creamery.
- He emphasizes the importance of quality and simplicity in his choice.

## Conclusion:

This podcast episode delves into various aspects of Formula One, offering expert insights and perspectives from Nico Rosberg. The discussions cover driver dynamics, team management, and the potential expansion of the sport. Rosberg's unique experiences as a former world champion provide valuable insights into the complexities of Formula One.