They are after all, teammates.

German driver Nico Rosberg has defended under-fire teammate Michael Schumacher as a remarkable reversal of fortune has unfolded within Mercedes this 2010 F1 season.

Despite Michael Schumacher spending three years in retirement prior to his return to Formula One at the start of this season, many expected the seven-time World Champion to dominate Nico Rosberg.

With Nico Rosberg also new to Mercedes following his switch from Williams, and with Schumacher close friends with team boss Ross Brawn, it seemed inevitable the 41-year-old would hold sway.

Schumacher, though, has struggled throughout his comeback and so far has been out-qualified and out-raced by Rosberg by a count of six to two.

In the grand prix in Canada, Schumacher looked at times like a rookie rather than a legendary racer with a host of records to his name. Schumacher’s performance prompted a further wave of criticism that arguably he is now too old and no longer cut out for Formula One. But Rosberg, who celebrated his 25th birthday and so is 16 years Schumacher’s junior, said: “He’s had some very strong races this year.”

“Sometimes I’ve had the upper hand, but in general I see him as strong.”

“I’m pleased I’m able to be on one level with him, that I’m beating him occasionally, and then he’s in front. It’s a good thing I’m quite pleased about, that I’m able to be there on level terms with him.”

That is unsurprising given Rosberg was expected to be overshadowed, but with Schumacher far from his former self, it has led to the degree of parity.

“There is also a big share of information,” revealed Rosberg. “I myself have progressed a lot technically in every way, it’s one of my strong areas, so I feel together we work very well.”

“It’s good for helping to push the team, that we both have our own comments. “I copy from him and he copies from me. It really goes back and forth,” he added.

In Australia in March the former Ferrari ace struggled to get past Toro Rosso’s 20-year-old Spaniard Jaime Alguersuari, who was racing at the Melbourne track for the first time, and ended up 10th.

After Schumacher retired in Malaysia and then just scraped a point in China with another 10th-place finish, some commentators were ready to write him off even if others refused to rush to judgment.

“People are going to say he’s past it now, which he probably is,” declared former great Stirling Moss, now in his 80s.

Can Mark Webber win the 2010 F1 world championship? Bodog sportsbook has the odds.

Mark Webber 10.00

Fernando Alonso 3.50

Lewis Hamilton 4.50

Sebastien Vettel 6.50

Want more odds? Visit Bodog sportsbook for more F1 betting odds. Want to watch F1 live? Get F1 tickets online now.

Michael Schumacher Nico Rosberg