Nico Rosberg gives his honest take on his former rival, Lewis Hamilton's Formula 1 title chances amid Max Verstappen's apparent lead in the standings.

Hamilton and Rosberg's relationship in the past is so complex that it deserves an entire saga on its own. The pair were friends growing up but developed a sour relationship as teammates with Mercedes. In those four years, these two were considered bitter rivals.

However, as a retired Formula 1 driver, Rosberg seems to be on good terms with Hamilton. Furthermore, he continues to back his old teammate in this year's extremely close title race.

Via Daily Mail

‘”Somehow I would still tend to lean towards Lewis – through experience and because he normally wins in the end,' said the Monaco-bred German. ‘It's so difficult to beat him. He can still do it, but Max is a giant right now.”

“It's crazy. The cars are exactly the same and the two drivers are in a league of their own. Nobody can keep up with them.”

“It is the highest level Formula 1 has seen. Phenomenal, huge respect.”

As a champion in 2016, the German knows what it takes for a driver to finish strong amid the season's near end with just five races to go.

“There are 133 points up for grabs, including those for [the] fastest lap and the last of three sprint races in Brazil. ‘It's going to be so close in the last few races,' added Rosberg. ‘So much is going to happen.'”

Hamilton is looking to secure his eighth Formula 1 championship but faces the obstacle of dealing with Verstappen, who is ahead by 12 points.