Hamilton expects Rosberg to feel World Cup boost
Lewis Hamilton hopes to tap into some of Germany's World Cup euphoria at Mercedes' home Formula One race this weekend even if championship-leading team mate Nico Rosberg gets a bigger boost.
"For every driver, when you go to your home country I think naturally you will get that extra boost," the Briton, who won in front of his home crowd at Silverstone two weeks ago, told reporters on Thursday.
"I think Nico will have that extra boost perhaps more this weekend because they've just won, they have the World Cup, so I think Germany is running on a serious high," added the 2008 champion.
Mercedes are sponsors of the German team who won the cup in Brazil last weekend, their fourth championship and first as a unified nation, and most of the fans thronging the campsite and forests around Hockenheim are already in party mood.
Lewis Hamilton hopes fellow Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg will get a boost from Germany winning the World Cup. Photo: AFP
Mercedes have their own grandstand at Hockenheim and the paddock motorhome has 'The Best' written in large letters on the front.
Rosberg, who leads Hamilton in the championship by four points at the halfway stage, has everything going for him at the moment.
He has celebrated his 29th birthday, got married last week and signed a new multi-year contract with Mercedes on Monday.
Victory at Hockenheim would make him the first German to do so for Mercedes in his home race since 1939 and would also make amends for the costly retirement at Silverstone that saw his lead slashed from 29 points.
- Reuters
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