Main loser of the Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg accuses Lewis Hamilton of a “too aggressive” start
It is now official: Nico Rosberg must let go of the 2015 World Drivers' Championship title in favor of his teammate. Despite starting from Pole Position, his leadership was once again snatched from him right at the start. A first-corner maneuver that apparently still sticks in his throat...
Everything got complicated from the start for Nico Rosberg. Lewis Hamilton had a better start than him, bringing himself alongside before tackling turn 1. Once again this season, the German had to bow to the future triple World Champion, who passed authoritatively.
At the post-race press conference, he first congratulated his teammate’s victory: “Congratulations to Lewis. He definitely deserves this title.”
But to the question, “Do you think the maneuver in the first turn was aggressive?” the driver of the Mercedes No. 6 replied eloquently: “Of course, that maneuver was very aggressive on his part. We made contact, I would say that Lewis shut the door on me, which isn’t very fair, but I haven’t seen the footage yet: I can’t say more.”
ROSBERG: “Turn 1 didn’t have such an impact. I was ahead, I have right to the track there. Lewis was too aggressive” pic.twitter.com/uf2VBG45St
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 25, 2015
The frustration is evident for the unfortunate Nico Rosberg, who seems unable to do anything against a teammate at the top of his game.
After losing three positions, Rosberg was nevertheless able to come back into contention for the victory before opting for a poor strategy during the last safety car intervention. Under pressure and with worn-out tires, the German made a fatal error regarding his Title chances. He was, however, faster than Hamilton throughout the Grand Prix.
ROSBERG: “Really tough. To nearly spin off on my own like that, I’ve never done that before. The race was mine” pic.twitter.com/1eMerR8rrv
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 25, 2015
Reflecting on this escapade that cost him the victory, Nico Rosberg acknowledges his share of responsibility:
« I don’t think there was anything wrong with my car. I take responsibility for making a mistake » he said.
This race is once again critical in the evolution of the Hamilton-Rosberg power dynamics. Lewis Hamilton seems unsinkable and whatever Nico Rosberg does, he operates a tone below, never managing to show authority to assert himself in key moments. Time is passing and Rosberg will have to do everything to avoid becoming permanently the number 2 in the Mercedes team. The challenge is significant for 2016.
