Nico Rosberg suggests key reason behind Lewis Hamilton struggles

Nico Rosberg has suggested Lewis Hamilton's age is beginning to impact his form in F1.

The seven-time champion endured a difficult run across his final years at Mercedes following his run of title success with the Brackley-based squad.

Hamilton opted to join Ferrari this season for a fresh challenge but has found himself out-paced by team-mate Charles Leclerc in the opening phase of the campaign.

Rosberg noted similarities between Hamilton's deficit to Leclerc and his gap to former Mercedes team-mate George Russell.

“It's a little bit of a continuation of the form last year, where already there was a bit of a dip and George had the upper hand,” Rosberg told Sky F1.

“He also finished ahead in the points. Now it's kind of continued, a little bit lacking here and there, especially [with] ultimate pace in qualifying.

“We know Charles is an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to find a little bit more there.”

Lewis Hamilton age struggles will happen 'sooner rather than later'

At 40 years of age, Hamilton is currently the second oldest driver on the grid, trailing only Fernando Alonso.

With 364 grand prix events to his name, Hamilton is second most experienced driver of all-time, with Alonso being the only driver to breach the 400 race figure.

While Alonso has continued to show F1 promise despite nearing his mid-40s, Rosberg hinted Hamilton's drop-off could have arrived earlier than the Spaniard's.

“Even the greatest of all time, at some point, you are going to get a little bit slower,” Rosberg said. “That's age-related.

“When you're 40, it's going to happen sooner rather than later. So the question is whether that age has come where you start to get a little bit slower.

“Even a tenth or something makes a huge difference in this sport, especially when you're up against some of the greatest from the new generation, which is Charles Leclerc, who's considered one of the absolute best qualifiers out there.”