Mercedes F1 Drivers Not Punished by Stewards After Spanish GP Incident
Giancarlo Perlas May 17, 2016
Tension escalated quickly at the 2016 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix. Just four turns from the starting line, the Silver Arrows of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided with each other, which led to their early elimination from the race.
Despite the straight faces of the drivers following the event, there was another turbulence evidently brewing within the Mercedes F1 team. Opinions were divided after reviewing clips of the incident. Most blamed Hamilton for the unfortunate outcome while some said it was a result of Rosberg’s over aggressiveness.
Reports earlier claimed Hamilton will likely get reprimanded by the stewards. If found at fault over the incident, he might get a 10-place penalty in the 2016 Monaco GP.
However, an article revealed that F1 officials declared neither driver is at fault. They decided that it was only a “racing incident.”
More Clashes to Come
Analysts predicted the feud between the two teammates will escalate on another level. That will lead to more clashes in the future.
The Sun’s Ben Hunt wrote there might be uncertainty within Mercedes whether they can continue to trust their drivers in terms of racing fairly in the events to come. On the other hand, The Times’ Kevin Eason pointed out that Rosberg and Hamilton’s relationship had fallen “at a new low.” He also stated that both drivers have gained new personality traits.
Eason said Rosberg is now exhibiting a new streak of aggression not seen before, which culminated in the Spanish GP affair. On the other hand, he painted Hamilton as the desperate one between the pair. Thus, the combined traits of the two could result to more clashes this season.
