Motorsports

Nico Rosberg signs 2-year extension with Mercedes F1

Mercedes-AMG Petronas' success in the 2014 Formula One season hasn't just been down to an alleged technological edge, but thanks to not just one dominant driver, but two. Lewis Hamilton's partner, Nico Rosberg (pictured above, right, with teammate Lewis Hamilton) has been arguably his biggest competition in this still-young F1 season, sitting a mere three points behind the Brit. Now, the German-born driver is being rewarded for his efforts.

The son of F1 champ Keke Rosberg, 28-year-old Nico has just inked a two-year deal to continue driving for Mercedes. His current contract was set to run out at the end of this season, which would have left the veteran driver without a ride for the first time since he entered the top flight of motor racing in 2006.

The move seems to be a clever one for Mercedes, as Rosberg hasn't finished below second place this season, helping the team capture wins in all five races thus far and achieve four consecutive one-two finishes.

"Nico's being rewarded for not only helping build the stability in the team over the last couple of seasons but also it gives him a platform to really have a clear head and take this World Championship battle head to head with his team-mate," BBC F1 correspondent (and former McLaren-Mercedes driver) David Coulthard told BBC Radio 5 Live, according to BBC Sport.

We'll see how having that clear head affects Rosberg, when he takes to the winding streets of his home city, Monaco, at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

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