F1 News: Nice Rosberg details 'very bad' Toto Wolff error after infamous Lewis Hamilton clashes

Rosberg, Hamilton, social — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News

Rosberg details 'very bad' Wolff error after infamous Hamilton clashes

The F1 world champion has opened up on the mistakes Toto Wolff made when managing his rivalry with Hamilton

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 21 April 2024 23:00

Nico Rosberg has revealed the mistake Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff made when he was managing his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton and Rosberg partnered each other at Mercedes from 2013-2016, where they were in close competition for world titles.

Their rivalry intensified at the Spanish Grand Prix in 2016 when the teammates clashed on Lap 1.

Rosberg would eventually win the world title in 2016, and promptly retired after beating Lewis Hamilton.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton US GP 2016

Rosberg emphasises importance of strong leadership

Article continues under video

The German emphasised the need for strong leadership from Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, after Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc clashed during the Chinese GP.

“At Mercedes we had an extremely detailed set of rules back then. Every scenario and every curve was written down, who has the right, when and where and who has to make room,” Rosberg said.

“No other team has it like that and certainly not Ferrari, but they have to do it now. In the duel between Charles and Carlos, the question was whether Charles was in front before Carlos, because that is the crucial question.

“If you are marginally in front, then you have the right, but as long as you are not in front, you don’t have the right. The one on the inside has the say, but not if you miss the apex by 5 metres. Then another rule applies again.”

Nico Rosberg compares Ferrari dynamic to Hamilton rivalry

“But Toto often left things like that to Paddy Lowe and that wasn't so good. Paddy used to be our team boss and avoided conflicts. He then preferred to take the path without conflict.

“That was very bad. It is so important that the team leader drives in a straight line.”

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Mercedes Toto Wolff Spanish Grand Prix Nico Rosberg