Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton

9. Nico Rosberg

Source: Theplace2

27 year-old Nico Rosberg outperformed 7-time World Champion Michael Schumacher last year which is not an easy task.

However, finishing 9th in the Drivers' Championship it would be superficial to say he had an impressive season.

A first career win at the Chinese Grand Prix provided a great start to the season, but the Mercedes driver was unable to really kick on from there.

The 'Silver Arrow' team produced some staggering straight-line speed but lacked downforce to compete with the front-runners on too many occasions.

Since their return to F1 the Mercedes team have insisted they aren't here to make up the numbers and want to challenge for titles' on both fronts.

Following an impressive pre-season test, Rosberg reflected on his 2013 challenger, the W04 he said:

"Definitely progress from last year and for sure we are going to be closer to the top guys," said Rosberg. 

"That's important because it's going in the right direction. The team has done a really good job over the winter and it really looks like all their hard work and effort has been worthwhile."

"It's a pleasure to drive at the moment because the balance is quite good and there are a lot of positives."


10. Lewis Hamilton

Source: The Sun

Any driver who leaves a race winning Mclaren to join a struggling Mercedes will have his critics and Lewis Hamilton is no different.

With Mercedes only beginning their 3rd year since returning to F1, the possibility of them producing a competitive car within the current rulings are slim. 

Hamilton was undoubtedly influenced by Niki Lauda who talked of him 'emulating Michael Schumacher at Ferrari,' with this in mind Hamilton will have one eye on the rue changes in 2014

But, for now the Brit notably agrees that his new team probably won't be as strong as Mclaren and claims he was ready for a 'fresh challenge'.

Upon his arrival Hamilton has been impressed by the work ethic experienced at the team factory, he said:

“It’s so encouraging to see the amount of work that’s going in, to see the atmosphere there [at the factory] and how determined everyone is."

“I’ve a great group of guys behind me. I’m sure they’ve been working hard over the years."

“But I’ve only just arrived and immediately I see just a fantastic determination and effort going in. I hope it all pays off.”