Has Perez let F1 fans down? | How to manage Russell-Hamilton rivalry | Will Piastri raise Norris' game at McLaren?

In this episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Nico Rosberg answers fans' questions and discusses various topics in the Formula 1 world, including the ongoing season, team dynamics, and driver performances. He reflects on his recent trip to the US and mentions the upcoming triple-header of races in Austin, Mexico, and Brazil.

The conversation begins with Liam Lawson's performance in the Alfa Tauri car, where Rosberg gives him a score of 8 or 9 out of 10, commending his efforts despite the challenges. He then speaks about Daniel Ricciardo’s return and the hurdles he must overcome due to his past injuries, suggesting that while Ricciardo has a chance to win again, it’s contingent on future performance and car quality.

Rosberg expresses empathy for Sergio Perez, who is under pressure to perform, especially with the expectations placed on him as Verstappen's teammate. The discussion shifts to the performance of teams, noting Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen for points, while McLaren has shown significant improvement.

Turning to Mercedes, Rosberg discusses the recent tensions between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. He highlights the importance of team management by Toto Wolff in fostering a harmonious environment, especially after incidents that have escalated competition between teammates.

Rosberg praises the aerodynamic advancements made by McLaren this season and assesses Oscar Piastri’s potential future as a race winner in F1. He reflects on the complexities of F1 engineering, noting that every aspect of the team, from engineers to strategists, is crucial to success.

Closing the episode, Rosberg shares his thoughts on the possibility of an 11th team in F1, indicating that while competition is welcome, relevancy and competitiveness are key. He finishes by discussing his ice cream shop in Ibiza, hinting at his entrepreneurial ventures outside of racing. The episode emphasizes Rosberg's perspective on the evolving dynamics within F1 and the importance of teamwork and support in achieving success.