Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s rivalry within Mercedes was one of the greatest in F1 history. The intriguing aspect to it was that early on in their careers, they were the closest of friends. But the cut-throat environment of F1 turned things sour. Then again, the same competitive atmosphere nurtured a cordial and largely conflict-free relationship between Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, who had replaced Rosberg in 2017.
Three-time F1 champ Niki Lauda shed light on this dynamic in a 2017 interview, explaining the reasons behind the contrasting relationships.
“They [ Hamilton and Bottas] like each other,” Lauda told Graham Bensinger. “They have breakfast with each other [and] they speak to each other. There’s nothing wrong at all between the two from the baseline point of view and therefore it’s much easier.”
Lauda, who was serving as Mercedes’ non-executive director at the time, said that Bottas and Hamilton always respected each other. So, despite the competitiveness, they became an ideal pairing.
Hamilton also valued his relationship with Bottas. Between 2017 and 2020, the Briton won four championships and heavily depended on Bottas’ team-oriented performances for his success. Even in 2021, when Hamilton lost the Drivers’ title to Max Verstappen, Bottas’ contributions were crucial in helping Mercedes secure the Constructors’ championship.
“He [Bottas] has been the best teammate I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” Hamilton had said in 2021, when Bottas left for Alfa Romeo (now Sauber).
That was a far cry from how Hamilton and Rosberg spent their three seasons together at Mercedes (2014-2016). There were several heated moments on the track, most notably at the 2016 Spanish GP, where they collided and took each other out on the first lap.
Nico Rosberg on his crash with Lewis Hamilton in Spain in 2016:
“We had to sign a contract that from now on if we crashed and no matter whose fault it was, we would pay for the damage.”
“I remember how much I had to pay: that was 360,000 pounds, which I paid for one of these… pic.twitter.com/6On7MtgfNe
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) April 24, 2024
Hamilton won the championship twice in their time together, with Rosberg having the last laugh by securing his first and only title in 2016. He left Mercedes, and F1, the following year.
Does Rosberg have any animosity toward Hamilton?
Rosberg left Mercedes and racing citing the intense pressure of F1 as a key factor behind his burnout. Since then, he has worked as an analyst and commentator for Sky Sports while also focusing on several businesses away from F1.
Leaving the competitive environment still did not allow Hamilton and Rosberg to rekindle their friendship. That said, Rosberg appears to have developed more respect for the #44 driver, viewing him now as an athlete, rather than a rival.
Rosberg has defended Hamilton on several occasions, particularly when questions were raised about his talent. Following Mercedes’ slump after 2021, many questioned Hamilton’s ability to compete at an elite level. Rosberg came to Lewis’ defense, praising him and publicly expressing high regard for his skills.
Most recently, Rosberg lauded Hamilton for his decision to move to Ferrari.
“Lewis is already a legend, he would have nothing to prove, but his choice shows the hunger of a man who wants to continue to grow, both as a driver and as a person,” the German said.
So, while there is no deep friendship between the two, it does seem that they do not have any rooted animosity toward each other.
