How will the Mercedes rivalry pan out in Japan?

Just a few days remain until the Japanese Grand Prix on 5th October and tensions are high as the rivalry between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton shows no signs of slowing down.

Currently, German-born Rosberg is 22 points ahead of Hamilton with 238 points to his 216. British-born Hamilton had a fantastic start to the F1 season, having won four consecutive races in Malaysia, Bahrain, China and Spain between 30th March and 11th May.

Naturally, it was his arch rival Rosberg who was to end Hamilton's winning streak when he took first position in Monaco. His dreams of two consecutive wins were shattered by third place Daniel Ricciardo, who, despite having won three races this season, is miles behind Hamilton in terms of points with just 166.

However, Rosberg's eye is firmly on Hamilton, particularly given the recent Formula One rules shake up  that has got both sides of the Mercedes team talking. It was recently announced that drivers will now be banned from receiving radio advice and coded messages such as team orders. Rosberg said of the changes: “It might affect things because we are now on our own. Before the team will always tell us what to do, and now we just need to decide on our own and make the decisions ourselves. It's going to be a new challenge.”

Meanwhile, in a potential attempt to stir up trouble with his rival, Hamilton told fans: “Having no team orders is fantastic. I actually think it's okay, it doesn't really change too much for me. The only real thing that I really have help with is when they tell us about the engine changes. That's not a real big issue. I think it might affect others more than me.”

Lewis Hamilton

Things have already been controversial between the pair since Rosberg's shocking crash in Belgium back in August. The rumour mill was already churning out speculation that Mercedes Chief Toto Wolff had issued orders to the German Drivers' Championship to let Hamilton win.

Nothing has been confirmed however, and Rosberg has not commented on the issue. For now, his attentions will be turned towards Japan, particularly as Hamilton has been named favourite to win his sixth race  this season.

Formula One has not taken place in Asia for five months, and only recently returned with the sensational events in Singapore. With Formula One's biggest rivalry still burning bright however, there's every reason why a return to Asia could be hugely exciting.

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