F1 News: Nico Rosberg CRITICISES Lewis Hamilton disrespect in title fight

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in 2016 in Abu Dhabi — Photo: © IMAGO

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Rosberg CRITICISES Hamilton disrespect in title fight

The Mercedes pair's falling out is well documented

GPFans Staff

Saturday 11 May 2024 18:42

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Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg has spoken about Lewis Hamilton's 'disrespect' for a team rule in his 2016 title-winning season.

After a bitter season-long battle, the German edged Hamilton in the race for the championship by five points, before retiring days later.

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It all came down to the final race of the season, where Hamilton needed to win and see his rival finish off the podium to take the title.

The Brit drove slower than the car's capabilities to try and push Rosberg into the chasing pack, despite several demands from the Mercedes pit wall to speed up.

This, Rosberg revealed in a YouTube talk with Business of Sport, was against the team's internal regulations.

Rosberg won the 2016 title ahead of Hamilton

Since retirement, Rosberg has had a strong media presence

Hamilton put team result 'in jeopardy'

Hamilton's slow pace allowed Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen to close to within of second-placed Rosberg, putting his race and championship result under threat.

"Lewis was putting our team result in jeopardy at the last race because he was backing everybody up including myself, to give him a chance for the championship," Rosberg said.

"But it went against that exact rule that we had. And that's why as he was going slower and slower...the team was using this rule and saying, 'Lewis, you have to go faster now, or let Nico past'.

Hamilton is still at Mercedes, where he has won six titles

"And he did not respect that then. Which is, of course, in a way understandable, because it's coming down to the line and the world championship is at stake.

"But considering I moved out of the way in Monaco...

"What happens [if you disrespect the rule]? You don't get a fine or anything, but the team is very, very disappointed with you."