Rosberg finally takes responsibility

Formula One World Championship leader Nico Rosberg has finally taken responsibility for the collision with team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton had been leading the Belgian Grand Prix following a poor start by Rosberg.

On lap two at Les Combes, with a realistic manoeuvre never on, Rosberg hit Hamilton’s back wheel with his front wing.

Whilst Rosberg damaged part of his wing, the inevitable puncture for Hamilton was obvious instantly, with the collision all but ended Hamilton’s race there and then.

Hamilton’s Mercedes limped back to the pit-lane, but time lost and the damaged floor left it impossible for him to recover.

Whilst Rosberg was able to secure second place extending his championship lead by a further 18 points.

After the race in an internal Mercedes debrief, Rosberg admitted that he consciously opted against avoiding the collision. Something that angered Hamilton and the team.

It has now transpired that whilst the details will remain confidential Mercedes have disciplined Rosberg, probably with a fine of some sort.

Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe Mercedes two team bosses along with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton met at the teams headquarters in Brackley.

Following the meeting the team and both drivers released statements.

‘During this meeting, Nico acknowledged his responsibility for the contact that occurred on lap two of the Belgian Grand Prix and apologised for this error of judgement.

‘Suitable disciplinary measures have been taken for the incident.’ Mercedes AMG were quoted by Sky Sports.

Rosberg went on to add: ‘The number one rule for us as team-mates is that we must not collide but that is exactly what happened.

‘For that error of judgement, I apologise to Lewis and the team. I also want to say sorry to the fans who were deprived of our battle for the lead in Belgium.

Whilst Hamilton said: ‘There is a deep foundation that still exists for me and Nico to work from, in spite of our difficult times and differences.

‘The fans want to see a clean fight until the end of the season and that’s what we want to give them.’