Rosberg sides with Vettel after Ferrari criticise driver

Nico Rosberg says Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto's assessment of Sebastian Vettel's on-track issues has been harsh.

Vettel has struggled over the past 12 months, falling away from Lewis Hamilton in last year's title battle and struggling from the off this year amid a renewed battle from new team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Trying to explain Vettel's form, Binotto suggested he had "overdriven", adding: "What we have to do is be honest and say: 'We expect more from him' and maybe he has not been as good as he was in qualifying."

However, former world champion Rosberg believes Ferrari's own failings ought to be borne in mind when analysing Vettel's struggles.

Rosberg told Sky Sports: "Leclerc just likes the car more and Vettel is struggling with the car at the moment, struggling with the rear end - he's never liked that in his career.

"Ferrari's not able to give him the car at the moment where he's comfortable, so it's such a difficult situation for him because Leclerc is in such great form."

Rosberg added: "Every single [big three] team has one driver that's really under huge pressure and it's tough, and I know how that feels because I've been in similar situations.

"But it's surprising how outward and how publicly speaking and open they are.

"Even Mattia Binotto, he criticised Vettel's driving yesterday publicly, and said he's simply overdriving the car. That's harsh!"

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