Ross Brawn believes Nico Rosberg’s performance this season so far, which has seen him start on the front-row four times and take two wins, justifies Michael Schumacher’s comeback.
The seven-time champion returned to Formula 1 with Mercedes in 2010 but failed to impress despite often matching team-mate Rosberg.
Whilst some put it down to his age, Brawn believes the car was the biggest factor and says the arrival of Lewis Hamilton – often considered one of the top three in F1 at present – has provided a good benchmark with which to measure Rosberg’s ability, and therefore measure Schumacher during their three seasons together.
“Lewis brings a great reference to the team and is a great driver, someone whose raw ability you know is at the very top,” Brawn told Autosport.
“I think it was a little unfortunate with Michael because we didn’t have these references. Michael had a tough time sometimes with Nico.
“Was that because Michael wasn’t as good as he was? Or because Nico was better than people gave him credit for?
“I think everyone recognises now that Nico was better than people gave him credit for,” he added.
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