Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton says team-mate Nico Rosberg is in a strong position to claim world drivers’ championship glory this season, following his victory at the European Grand Prix on Sunday.

The German cruised to his fifth race success of the season in Baku, to extend his lead at the top of the standings to 24 points.

Reigning champion Hamilton could only secure a fifth place finish after starting the race 10th on the grid and he admits that his chances of securing a fourth world title this season are looking slim, with Rosberg in such a strong position. “It’s looking like a good year for Nico.

But I never give up,” he told reporters. “I am definitely not feeling confident for the future but I have a lot of races ahead. The last two were great.”

Hamilton came into the weekend’s action in good form after winning back-to-back GP’s in Canada and Monaco, but an error-strewn performance in qualifying, followed by engine trouble in the race itself, put pay to his chances at Baku City Circuit.

The 31-year-old is now looking to move on from his struggles in Azerbaijan and finally put the technical issues, that have plagued his season, behind him.

He added: “I am just glad I got some points and am hoping from now on I will have some better races.

But I have been hoping that for some time and still have these engine problems here and there so we have work to do.”

Hamilton is available at 1.75 to claim drivers’ championship glory this season, while Rosberg is on offer at 2.38 to seal his maiden world crown.