“That would be the worst”, Hamilton told reporters after winning Sunday’s race while Rosberg limped home fourth in a damaged auto and had his overall lead cut to 11 points.
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“It was a great start and also a good first lap and straight away I could feel the pace was there in the auto”, said Verstappen.
Hamilton is well aware how annoyed Wolff was after what happened on the last lap in Austria, but has stood by his claim that he never meant to cause a collision.
Rosberg is widely expected to sign a new deal with the team he joined in 2010, but discussions are still ongoing.
Mercedes-Benz Motorsport chief Toto Wolff expressed frustration at losing points once again because of a collision between the teammates, as a prospective one-two finish fizzled at the final lap no less at last weekend’s Austrian GP.
Wolff described the collision as “brainless”.
The latest was at May’s Spanish Grand Prix Rosberg when Hamilton tried to overtake a slowing Rosberg at the third corner but the German shut the door and they both crashed with Hamilton apologising afterwards – but only to the team.
“It was not amusing to watch it”, said Lauda. I think he had a problem with his brakes potentially, though.
The Silver Arrows pair have been scrapping for the Formula One title for the past two seasons, with Hamilton prevailing in both 2014 and 2015 but it was Rosberg who took the early season honours this time around. So, absolutely gutted for sure.
“We were battling, and I was struggling a bit with my brakes and tires degrading, and that gave Lewis a chance“.
“It’s unpopular, it makes me puke because I like to see them race but, if racing is not possible without contact, that’s the effect”.
“I didn’t come into this to be in that situation [team orders], so I will pray and hope that’s not the situation”, said Hamilton.
Hamilton said real racing was the reason why fans were so passionate about the sport, spending hours in muddy campsites and handing over hard-earned cash to buy merchandise.
Later, when addressing the written press in more reflective mood, he added: “I don’t want to attribute blame because every time you watch the video there’s new information”.
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Rosberg was fourth ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull, Briton Jenson Button of McLaren Honda, Frenchman Romain Grosjean of Haas and Spaniard Carlos Sainz of Toro Rosso. British rookie Jolyon Palmer was 12th for Renault.
