Rosberg predicts: 'Hamilton will fight for the world title next year'

In two Formula 1 seasons Mercedes has taken just one victory: The 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix with George Russell.

You would have to go further back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to come across Lewis Hamilton's last win with the team, a staggering amount of time considering they were once the juggernauts of F1.

Team Principal Toto Wolff recently remarked that the current Mercedes car does not deserve a race win, after they endured a tough race at São Paulo.

2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes there is not all hope lost for his former team, as he sees change could be on the horizon for them.

"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 told The Daily Mail.

"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."

Rosberg: "I believe in Mercedes ability"

With Hamilton taking the fight to Sergio Perez for second in the Drivers' Championship this year, Rosberg expects him to challenge for an eighth title if Mercedes can produce him a race-winning car.

"I believe in Mercedes ability because I was there. I know how strong they are. It's always still the same people," said Rosberg.

"So certainly there is a chance that Hamilton could once again fight for the championship next year."

When asked if he would be happy if his former teammate took an eighth 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."