Nico Rosberg's warning to Russell: 'Lewis passionately hates coming second to a teammate'

Nico Rosberg says George Russell's "phenomenal" form will motivate Lewis Hamilton because the seven-time world champion "hates" losing to a teammate.

Hamilton, 37, claimed his first podium in almost three months when he finished third at last Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix - one place ahead of Russell in the other Mercedes. But Russell, in his first season alongside Hamilton, is 34 points ahead of his more illustrious teammate in the standings.

The result in Montreal ended a run of eight races - including Imola's sprint round - where Hamilton had taken the chequered flag behind his compatriot.

Get in there, Lewis! Great to see you back on the podium! ????And right behind, George in P4. What a drive, Team! ????#CanadianGP #WeLivePerformance #MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/PHAlshTRyG

Hates coming second

Speaking on Sky Sports' Any Driven Monday programme, Rosberg, who defied Hamilton to win the 2016 world title before retiring a handful of days later, said: "Make no mistake, Lewis hates passionately to ever come second to a teammate.

"He will be ultra motivated and pushing very hard internally. Lewis is still driving at his best. He has just had an unbelievably unlucky season so far, and different things have gone against him. Canada was the first weekend in a while that was normal for him, and he delivered in the usual awesome way."

Russell, 24, is the only driver to finish in the top five at each of the nine Grands Prix so far.

READ: WRAP | 2022 Canadian Grand Prix - Verstappen takes first win in Montréal

In Montreal's rain-hit qualifying, he boldly decided to strap on a set of slicks in a banzai move for pole position before spinning off at the first corner.

Former Mercedes driver Rosberg, 36, continued: "What an awesome job George