Nico Rosberg denies Mercedes reshuffles destabilised F1 team

Long-time Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug stepped down in December, with ex-Williams man Toto Wolff taking his place last month.

There were also rumours of further major technical signings plus the ousting of team boss Ross Brawn, who ultimately stayed in his position.

Rosberg believes that because the core technical team, now led by Aldo Costa, was in place during 2012, the new W04's creation will not have been affected by the turbulence.

"This season shouldn't be affected much at all, not initially anyway because the main people in charge of building this car haven't changed," said Rosberg.

"So there is still a lot of stability in that region."

The German thinks the reshuffle at the top of Mercedes will ultimately be beneficial.

"Going forward, looking at the big decisions for next year and things like that, there are some big changes coming in," Rosberg said.

"And that's where these management changes will have effect, it's more long term.

"That is a good thing, because short term we need stability and long term, to become an even better racing team.

"I think change, to some extent, has been a good thing, and will be a good thing going forward."