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Nico Rosberg has what it takes to bounce back against Mercedes Formula 1 team-mate Lewis Hamilton despite being beaten in the last three grands prix, reckons Niki Lauda.

The German leads the F1 world championship standings after the first four flyaway races, but has lost out to Hamilton in every race since Malaysia.

That run of form has prompted suggestions that Hamilton has a decisive psychological advantage in their title fight.

But Lauda, who is a non-executive director at Mercedes, reckons that there is little to choose between the pair, and that defeat will actually inspire Rosberg to come back stronger.

When asked by AUTOSPORT if he believes Rosberg could recover, Lauda said: "Yes he will. And I think he will because racing drivers have this [mentality].

"If they are blown off, like he was [in China], he will get himself new strategies worked out to not let these things happen again."

HAMILTON OUTSTANDING

While retaining faith in Rosberg, Lauda has admitted he has been hugely impressed by the job that Hamilton has done this year.

"I have to say that the way Lewis is driving, from the first race until now, for me is outstanding," Lauda said. "The guy makes no mistakes.

"He is absolutely on top of everything.

"He understands the car, which is more complicated than in the past.

"He understands the tyres, and drives at the absolute perfect way on the edge.

"He does not do any mistakes, and I have to say he is on a high like I have never seen before. Outstanding!"