Events in the
Malaysian Grand Prix
show Mercedes are favouring Lewis Hamilton in their pursuit of the world title, according to ex-F1 driver Allan McNish.
Mercedes implemented team orders at Sepang,
denying Nico Rosberg's requests to pass team-mate Hamilton for third.
“I'm not surprised Hamilton's had the
upper hand over Rosberg in qualifying because I do believe that Hamilton
is the fastest guy over one lap”
Allan McNish
BBC Radio 5 live analyst
"Just look at that conversation over the radio," McNish told BBC Sport.
"Even though it's not official, there's definitely a
strong focus on Hamilton being their main challenge for the
championship."
McNish, who will work as a BBC Radio 5 live analyst for
at least six races this season, added: "They've opened their arms to
Hamilton and they've certainly got their arm round him quite well at the
moment."
Hamilton, who joined Mercedes for this season after
spending the first six years of his F1 career with McLaren, has
out-qualified and outscored Rosberg in each of the first two races of
the season.
The 2008 world champion is currently fourth in
the drivers' world championship
on 25 points, 15 behind leader Sebastian Vettel but 13 ahead of
Rosberg who is entering his fourth season with the Brackley-based team.
"I think he's definitely been comfortable with what
they are going to give him and the changes Mercedes are going to make to
the structure of the team - otherwise he wouldn't have gone there,"
added McNish, 43.
"It was clear that Hamilton was the quickest guy on the
grid last year and I'm not surprised he's had the upper hand over
Rosberg in qualifying because I do believe that Hamilton is the fastest
guy over one lap. He has brought a fresh lease of life to the team."
However, the Scot, who raced for Toyota in 2002 and was
a test driver for Renault in 2003, believes Rosberg will still provide a
challenge for Hamilton.
Hamilton v Rosberg in 2013
Australia
- Hamilton qualified third, with Rosberg sixth. The Briton went on to finish fifth while Rosberg retired.
Malaysia
- Hamilton qualified fourth, with Rosberg sixth. Hamilton took third, one place ahead of Rosberg.
"I actually think Nico has done
very well, especially in Malaysia," added McNish, whose best result was
seventh in the 2002 Malaysian Grand Prix.
"Team-mates have gone up against Hamilton and failed -
he's a tough nut to crack but he's a world champion for a reason. So
it'll be interesting to see if Rosberg can keep pushing him."
While Mercedes have started strongly, Hamilton's former team McLaren are struggling.
Jenson Button and his new team-mate Sergio Perez have
taken two points apiece as Button battled to ninth in Australia and
Perez followed suit in Malaysia.
But on Friday Button said he was confident the Woking-based team could
build on the improved pace
they showed in Malaysia before a bungled pit-stop ended hopes of a podium.
Malaysian GP: Mixed emotions for Mercedes pair over result
"I don't think you can count them out," said McNish,
who has twice won the Le Mans 24 Hours. "Perez is quick, but he's new to
the team and there will be a lot of reliance on Button's experience.
"McLaren don't traditionally start the season well but they are very good at developing a car throughout the season.
"They will give Button a car that can challenge for the championship but will they be able to do it in time?"
