Rosberg studies breathing technique to outpace Hamilton

Nico Rosberg is studying how he breathes as he looks to overhaul Formula One world champion and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Rosberg missed out on the title in dramatic fashion last year and wants to find improvements.

The German driver has tried perfecting new breathing techniques in order to find the ‘one or two per cent’ that could make all the difference this season.

Rosberg did better than Hamilton in qualifying last year, securing 11 pole positions compared to seven, but Hamilton dominated him – 11 wins to five – on race day.

That has been bugging Rosberg, who is determined to find the small margins that will work in his favour.

“I learned some things in the winter. For example, my breathing was something I could work on, my breathing in the race car,” Rosberg explained.

“Because when we go through fast corners we hold the breath, because we have so much g-force. Of course I want to give you some insights, but not compromise my secrets.”

He’s also stepped up his training regime.

“To be that little bit more fit at the end of races, a little bit more on it. That one or two percent that makes the difference in the end.”

Hamilton beat Rosberg by 67 points – but the margin was exaggerated by the double points on offer in the last race.