Rosberg thinks Mercedes can challenge Red Bull: 'Know how strong they are'

While Rosberg is upfront that Red Bull and Verstappen are at an advantage after the dominant 2023 season, he points out that limited development time in the wind tunnel could hurt the team. This would allow teams like Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes to catch up.

Asked by Daily Mail about the chances of Toto Wolff's team to have a shot at the world title next year, Rosberg replied, "We've seen flashes of brilliance from the Mercedes team just recently. They lack consistency. But look at Austin. They were challenging for the win there and actually had the fastest car over the weekend."

Rosberg: 'Mercedes are starting to understand the car'

He continued: "So we've seen that they're starting to understand the car, and they just have the problem that you still lack consistency. They still lack in straight line performance, but they are starting to understand all that. I believe in Mercedes ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It's always still the same people. So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year."

Asked if he would be happy if Hamilton won an eighth world title, Rosberg replied: "I would be happy if Mercedes won, because that's kind of my racing family from the past. But then Lewis, I'm neutral there. I just would like a great fight for the championship, and may the best driver win. But I'm not biased in that sense, obviously.\'