It's been a funny old year at Mercedes. Nico Rosberg stormed into a commanding lead at the beginning of the campaign but team-mate and title rival Lewis Hamilton has climbed above the German after five victories in the last six races. Hamilton was dominant from start to finish in his most recent success in Hungary and the mood between the two drivers was frosty to say the least.

Tension at Mercedes has reached boiling point this season but it hasn't stopped the German giants offering Rosberg a brand-new contract. Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda have a real job on their hands to keep both drivers satisfied and this year's title race is going to go right down to the wire. While Hamilton is in the ascendency at the moment, Rosberg has the talent, the hunger and the motivation to work hard in a bid to win a first world championship. He will certainly need to avoid further conflict with his team-mate for the remainder of the season though...

As of July 26th, the German is 10/3 to win the title in Bet365's F1 betting markets and there are still many twists and turns ahead. With ten races remaining, there are still plenty of points to fight for and Rosberg won't go away. Without a shadow of a doubt, Hamilton is the most 'naturally talented' Formula One driver in the business and it won't be easy but the German will fancy his chances of pipping the British star to the crown.

The European circuit is coming to an end and that probably suits Rosberg more than it does Hamilton. The defending champion always seems to perform well in Europe but the German may find it easier in the Asian circuit. The traditional tracks at Suzuka and Sepang will appeal to Rosberg's more natural style of racing whilst the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore is more likely to suit Hamilton - after all, he is renowned for his racing ability on tight tracks.

For Mercedes, the most important thing is winning the Constructors' title and securing a one-two in the Drivers' Championship. If truth be told,
the Mercedes hierarchy may be quietly hoping for a Rosberg victory; an outcome that would perhaps keep both drivers on board. Hamilton has dominated the sport in recent years and a German victory for the German team would almost certainly go down well with old-school Mercedes supporters.

Right now, Hamilton is in a commanding position but Rosberg won't give up without a fight. As Wolff stated in July, this title race is going to go down to the wire and with a bit of luck, Rosberg may emerge victorious to pip his closest rival to a memorable championship...