Rosberg was a natural understudy to Michael Schumacher, who he partnered for three years at Mercedes before the latter retired, but the arrival of Hamilton to the team rocked the boat somewhat. Rosberg, speaking on the Sky F1 podcast, suggested that Hamilton could call on that experience to settle him at Ferrari.

Former long-time Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that record world champion Lewis Hamilton should consider retirement in the wake of poor results. Hamilton, 40, has had a difficult start at Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes where he won six of his record-tying seven world titles.

Hamilton has endured a difficult 18 months, particularly in qualifying. The Independent crunches the lap times