Hamilton believes that Rosberg did not block him
The Q3 of the 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying was marked by a slight hindrance of Lewis Hamilton by Nico Rosberg. The Briton believes he was not blocked by his teammate.
While Lewis Hamilton was in the middle of a flying lap to improve his time in Q3, he found himself having to pass his teammate, Nico Rosberg, who was moving slowly. This situation resulted in a slight obstruction from the latter, followed by the end of the former’s attempt.
A controversy has started in the paddock regarding this hindrance from Rosberg. However, the reigning world champion stated that this was not the reason for his slowdown to the BBC: « There were cars in front and I knew they would be in my way. » When he is clearly asked if his teammate blocked him, he answers: « No. »
For his part, the 2014 vice-world champion believes that No. 44 had already slowed down before overtaking him: « He eased off well before catching up to me. How can we be sure it’s true, that he slowed down before catching up to me? That’s what’s interesting because if I’m the one saying it, it won’t carry much weight. I don’t have an answer to this at the moment, to make it a reality. I’m going to have to think of something. »
Later, in the Sepang paddock, at the end of Lewis Hamilton’s press conference, Nico Rosberg turned into a journalist for a moment to ask his teammate a direct question: “Do you think Nico blocked you?” he inquired. “I think you should probably ask him,” Hamilton replied jokingly, “he definitely has an opinion on that.”
Tomorrow, at 9:00 AM French time, Lewis Hamilton will start from pole position for the 40th time in his career, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari. Nico Rosberg will start from the third row, alongside Daniel Ricciardo.
