Years Later, Nico Rosberg Opens Up on the Genesis of the Infamous ‘Silver War’ With Former Pal Lewis Hamilton

As far as rivalries go, the Lewis Hamilton – Nico Rosberg battle was an intense one, to say the least. The two shared a close relationship during their karting days and even when they entered the stage in Formula 1. However, the plot witnessed a twist in their Mercedes days.

The pair were both part of the new look Silver Arrows team. But as things started heating in terms of championship dreams, the relationship quickly witnessed a change. It was clear by the middle of 2014 that with Mercedes’ stranglehold on the F1 title race, there was going to be no love lost between the two drivers.

Speaking on when exactly their friendship took a turn for the worse, Rosberg said, “That happened immediately when we were fighting for the World Cup. Not previously. But that’s always the case: If you’re fighting for success in every race and for titles, that’s no longer possible.” (Translated using Google)

The 2014 Belgian GP started their rivalry, as both collided with each other. While Hamilton retired from the race, Rosberg finished on the podium and was subsequently booed. Following this, every race was fierce between the two as the spotlight turned on them.

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And the German revealed that this was the trigger to the change in relationship. “No, it was a build-up from one race to the next. If you want to win the World Cup, you can’t play Peace Joy Pancakes. You have to push boundaries and step into gray areas to win. Especially when two drivers are at such a high level. And then things often get tight,” he added.

Does Nico Rosberg regret his tense rivalry with Lewis Hamilton?

As Formula 1 stepped into the new era in 2014, it was clear that Mercedes was the team to beat. However, the battle between teammates is something that they did not want. Hamilton won the 2014 and 2015 championship, Rosberg finally got his redemption in 2016.

To the shock of every F1 fan, he announced his retirement after his maiden championship victory. The rivalry arguably took a toll on both the drivers and the team as well. However, he revealed no regret in his bond with Lewis turning sour.

Rosberg stated, “I ​​don’t regret anything. It was a sensational time and a mega fight. I’m very proud of that. We’re now neutral again, that’s okay. And the funny thing is that in Extreme E we’re fighting each other again.

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Both the drivers also own an Extreme E team. And during last season, the Rosberg X racing pipped Hamilton’s X44 team to win the title. Déjà vu, huh! Both the champions arguably have mutual respect for each other, but fans will always remember them for their rivalry at Mercedes.