Sebastian Vettel vs Nico Rosberg
The Silver War: Hamilton vs Rosberg
The Hamilton–Rosberg rivalry, also known as the Silver War and as Brocedes, was a Formula One rivalry between British driver Lewis Hamilton and German driver Nico Rosberg during their four years as teammates at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016.
Quick Facts
- Vettel championships
- 4
- Rosberg championships
- 1
- Peak teammate seasons
- 4 (Mercedes, 2013-2016)
- Rivalry peak
- 2016 Season
- Status
- Retired from F1
- Key era
- Hybrid Turbo Era
Lore & Background
The pair first became teammates in 2000 in karting, racing for Mercedes Benz McLaren in Formula A. Their relationship became strained during their time at Mercedes, leading to volatile confrontations on and off the track, with the duo being threatened with suspension at the height of their rivalry, especially in 2016. As teammates, Hamilton and Rosberg won 54 of 78 races. Hamilton had 32 victories, 55 podium finishes and qualified ahead of Rosberg 42 times. Rosberg had 22 victories, 50 podium finishes and qualified ahead of Hamilton 36 times. Hamilton won the World Championship twice, Rosberg once.
Reader's Guide
The rivalry is noted for the contrasting upbringings of the drivers: Rosberg, an only child, was born in Germany but raised in Monaco, son of former world champion Keke Rosberg; Hamilton was raised on a council estate in Stevenage. Their karting boss Dino Chiesa said Hamilton was the faster driver while Rosberg was more analytical. The first sign of tensions at Mercedes was at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix, where team orders kept Rosberg behind Hamilton. In 2014, their battles included the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Hamilton held off Rosberg after a late safety car, and the Monaco Grand Prix, where Rosberg's crash in qualifying prompted Hamilton to say they were no longer friends.
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