Nico Rosberg has no doubts that he shares equal status with Michael Schumacher as the two drivers prepare to begin a new partnership this year. With the former moving from Williams – marking his first team switch since joining Formula 1 in 2006 – and 7-time World Champion Schumacher making a comeback after retiring at the end of the same season, Nico is filled with positivity.
Schumacher has openly admitted that he is targeting an eighth crown this season although Rosberg has no worries over being team-mate to his compatriot.
“We have the same status in the team,” Nico, son of 1982 Champion Keke, told Germany’s Auto Bild Motorsport magazine. “That’s always been like that for Mercedes, that’s their philosophy.”
Rosberg does admit, however, that he will not settle for second place. “Your team-mate is always the first person with whom you have to measure yourself,” he continued. “He is the only one who has the same car. Therefore, it is my goal to be frequently in front of him.
“He’s had three years now to recharge his energy and he’s totally enthusiastic – that’s more important than anything else.”