Rosberg encouraged by Hamilton success

The British McLaren driver has taken the sport by storm, having scored five consecutive podium finishes, also becoming the youngest driver in history to lead the championship.

Hamilton is now tied at the head of the standings with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Rosberg, who won the GP2 crown a year ahead of Hamilton, believes the Briton's success shows he too has the talent to be on top.

"On one side it's good, because I know how I compare to Lewis," said Rosberg, who raced alongside Hamilton for two years in karting.

"I was teammates to him for two years, so him racing right at the front and leading the world championship is cool, because I can see why it was so difficult in go-karts to win with him as a teammate.

"And also (Robert) Kubica - the three of us were winning all the races in karting, and we finished first, second and third in the European championship. So now I understand why it was not easy.

"The way it has changed my life is that in every interview now, I am asked about Lewis. That's the only difference. It used to be 'what is it like to be the son of Keke?'. That's gone now, and now it's 'what do you think of Lewis?'.

"It doesn't bother me. He's done a great job, and he deserves it. We're a pretty strong generation as a whole, I think."