MANAMA, Bahrain - Nico Rosberg's downwards spiral has only worsened in Bahrain.
With team mate Lewis Hamilton riding a wave of form and confidence, Rosberg headed to Bahrain determined to bounce back. But it backfired spectacularly in qualifying, as the 29-year-old slumped to third place, behind not only Hamilton but also Sebastian Vettel's resurgent Ferrari.
GAP IS WORRISOME
Hamilton won the Bahrain Grand Prix for the second year in a row, with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen back on the podium to deny Mercedes another 1-2 finish.
Hamilton's pole-to-flag victory was his third win in four races this season and 36th of his career.
Mercedes team chairperson Niki Lauda told Bild am Sonntag newspaper: "The starting point for Lewis is perfect as always. "But the six tenths gap between Nico and Lewis is worrisome," he added.