Former team-mate Nico Rosberg believes Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari woes are a "continuation" of the struggles he experienced with Mercedes.

He told Sky F1: “It’s a little bit of a continuation of the form from last year, where already there was a bit of a dip there and George had the upper hand and was beating him at Mercedes and also finished ahead in the points.

“And now it’s continued that a little bit. Just a little bit lacking here and there, especially in ultimate pace in qualifying.

“We know Charles is an incredible qualifier, so Lewis has to fight a little bit more there.”

Asked why Hamilton’s struggles have persisted at Mercedes, Rosberg suggested that that the “answer” is likely that his former team-mate’s age is starting to have an impact on his performance by making him “a little bit slower.”