Rosberg: "Verstappen is the deserved champion"

"Max is the deserved champion, although both men would've deserved it," Rosberg revealed via Instagram. The fact that Verstappen managed to trump rival Hamilton over 22 weekends makes a big impression on the Brit's former teammate."Max had a phenomenal season and took the fight to Lewis who is arguably the greatest of all time, I have big respect. I'm already looking forward to next year's battle. My congratulations go out to Max."

Aggressiveness Verstappen

Rosberg himself was the last driver to beat Hamilton in a world championship in 2016. With Verstappen, he now has a successor. "The aggression he brings to the table is really unheard of. You can compare it to Senna and Schumacher. That driving style is really going for it, Lewis even had to adapt and become more agressive himself. Lewis is one of the best in wheel-to-wheel racers, but Verstappen shows he's almost better. He's really hyper-aggressive."

Rosberg quit driving in Formula One the day after his world title five years ago. Verstappen won't be doing that, as the Limburger immediately indicated in interviews after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win that he wants to play for Red Bull Racing at the highest level for at least another ten years.