“No Loss of Image”: Berger Explains Why Rosberg was a Tougher Rival Than Verstappen for Hamilton

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are undoubtedly each other’s fiercest rivals. However, former F1 driver, Gerhard Berger feels Lewis can have some breathing space, as Verstappen is on a different team, unlike his rivalry with Nico Rosberg where both were driving for Mercedes.

Lewis is on the back foot this season, as he has lost the lead in the championship to Verstappen. There is a 4 point gap that Hamilton is hoping to close as the season progresses.

Lewis Hamilton shouldn’t have to worry against Max as he did against Nico

Speaking to Sport1.de, Berger said, “It’s a lot easier for Lewis to race against Max. Because it always has your back a little bit when your rival is in another car. It’s all about whether you can finish before him.”

If not, you have no loss of image. Because the other person may have the better car. But if you are beaten by a Nico Rosberg in the same team, then that borders on an insult,” Berger explained. (Translated from German via Google)

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Max vs Lewis, How is the 2021 season so far?

The battle for the 2021 championship has been intense. So far, Mercedes’ 44 driver has won three out of the six races, while title-rival Max has only won two. However, it is the Dutchman who holds the lead in the championship, looking to claim his maiden world championship.

The seventh round of the championship takes us to Paul Ricard for the French GP. The seven-time world champion will hope to regain the lead in the title race and keep the Red Bull prodigy in his rearview mirrors.

The only question that remains is whether Hamilton can take the fight to Verstappen and get his hands on the eighth title of his F1 career? We will just have to wait for the upcoming weekend to find out.

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