Rosberg: Hamilton did ‘not’ deserve a penalty

Editor

Nico Rosberg insists the stewards were right not to penalise Lewis Hamilton for running off the track at Turn 1 on the opening lap of the Mexican Grand Prix.

Hamilton locked up at the start of the race, leaving the track at Turn 1 and rejoining at Turn 3.

Despite gaining meters on second-placed Rosberg, an early Safety Car bunched the field up and at no time did the stewards launch an investigation into Hamilton’s off.

That was in sharp contast to a late penalty handed to Max Verstappen, who left the track at the exact same point, gained an advantage on Sebastian Vettel for which he was penalised.

Rosberg, though, insists his team-mate did not deserve a similar punishment.

Asked if he thought Hamilton should have been penalised, ESPN quotes Rosberg as having said: “Definitely not. Please do not put words into my mouth. That was not very fair of you.

“First of all, Lewis did a better job this weekend. Since you did put words in my mouth, I will tag on to where you left off, which is that he went into the corner first and came out first, so that’s OK.

“Apart from that, for me, the race, there was a lot going on of course, quite eventful. But in the end, second place, I have to live with that.

“Lewis was quicker so he deserves the win, and for me, second place was the best I could do.”