Nico Rosberg isn't counting on team-mate Lewis Hamilton's troubles to win him his first title and fully expects the Briton to launch a comeback in the next few races to ensure there's a tough battle for the 2016 crown.
At present, Rosberg has scored a maximum 100 points from the opening four races, whilst Hamilton lags behind in second with just 57, after encountering various problems which have hindered his races.
Rosberg insists it is too early to assume the championship is his – despite no driver ever having lost the title when they've won the first four races.
"They didn't have Lewis Hamilton as their team-mate," Rosberg is quoted as saying by Autosport when that statistic was put to him. "That's the battle I have.
"This [the title] is completely not worth talking about yet, at this point in time."
The German believes it's just a matter of time before Hamilton is back on the top step: "Lewis is driving as strongly as ever, as you have seen in the last few weeks. He will bounce back.
"He doesn't have an issue with fighting back with his head, he has always shown that," added Rosberg.
"I'm sure we'll see more of the battle between us. It's always going to be tough against him."
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