Nico Rosberg has dismissed suggestions by Red Bull boss Christian Horner that Mercedes could finish two laps ahead of the opposition at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes are the favourites to succeed in Melbourne, scene of the opening round in the 2014 Formula 1 World Championship. But speaking in the countdown to practice on Friday, Rosberg told reporters that ‘anything is possible’ at Albert Park, and he believes reliability will be the crucial factor over the first few Grands Prix.
“Never take them [Red Bull] 100 per cent by their word just before the first race,” Rosberg stated. “We have to be very careful and, of course, Red Bull wants to play things down [given how they went in pre-season testing]. Last year though they were nowhere in testing and then come the first race they were miles ahead of everybody. We need to be aware of that.”