Allan McNish believes Mercedes are pinning their hopes on Lewis Hamilton to deliver a championship, rather than Nico Rosberg.
The Scot, who drove for Toyota in 2002, says the team orders issued in Malaysia is evidence that Mercedes are favouring the Briton over his team-mate.
“Just look at that conversation over the radio,” he told BBC Sport.
“Even though it’s not official, there’s definitely a strong focus on Hamilton being their main challenge for the championship.
“They’ve opened their arms to Hamilton and they’ve certainly got their arm round him quite well at the moment.”
The two-time Le Mans winner praised Rosberg’s ability to challenge Hamilton, but admitted, in his opinion, that the latter is a safer bet given his speed and history which includes the 2008 drivers’ title.
“I actually think Nico has done very well, especially in Malaysia,” he added. “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.
“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.”
