Lewis Hamilton has more "natural talent" than Michael Schumacher did, according to the only Formula 1 driver to partner both, Nico Rosberg. Hamilton is second only to Schumacher in terms of drivers' world titles (5 – 7) and race victories (73 – 91).

Hamilton secured a fourth title in five years, and his fifth overall, in 2018 – a triumph which reignited comparisons between the current dominant force in F1 and the greatest driver statistically in the sport's history.

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Schumacher was unable to add to his tally of race wins in three seasons besides Rosberg at Mercedes, before departing in 2012 and paving the way for Hamilton to join the team and sparking a run of dominance in the V6 Hybrid era.

Rosberg generally had the measure of a veteran Schumacher in their three years together, but only topped Hamilton once – for his title triumph in 2016 – and he says the Briton was more gifted than his fellow German.

"Lewis probably has a bit more natural talent than Michael, Lewis has one of the greatest natural talents our sport has ever seen, so he makes the difference," Rosberg told Auto Motor und Sport.

"In terms of work ethic, Schumacher was something else.

"Things come very easily to Lewis naturally. Instinct, natural talent. Michael was the complete package."

Despite his claim, Rosberg says he was far more anxious after finding out he would be partnering Schumacher than when news arrived he would be joined by Hamilton at the Silver Arrows.

He said: "The first thought with Michael Schumacher? A little bit scared. Can I even compete?

"Michael was a warrior. Every day after getting up, he would think: How do I make my teammate small?

"When I finally got the better of Michael, then came Lewis. At least I knew him from go-karts. He was not as alien to me as Michael."

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