Former world champion Nico Rosberg believes Mercedes has unfairly had to handle the blame for Lewis Hamilton’s disastrous result at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Hamilton, who started the race in 14th position, was unable to make his way into the top-10 while his teammate George Russell put on a far more promising display.
At the end of the race, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff communicated the fact that Hamilton’s car was “undriveable” and issued an apology to the seven-time world champion.
Rosberg criticises Hamilton
However, Rosberg believes Hamilton should have done better.
“Toto was playing the mental game,” Rosberg said.
“Taking the blame allows them to support Lewis mentally. By saying, ‘hey, Lewis, it is none of your doing, it is really on us’, is very smart because it is not really the truth.
“Toto is trying to lift Lewis up because it is so important to make sure Lewis is motivated for the whole season.
“Let’s not forget that Russell finished fourth with that same car so Lewis definitely had a big role to play in that poor result.
“There was more in that car, but Toto is trying to lift Lewis up because it is so important to make sure Lewis is motivated for the whole season.
“It is easy for him to lose motivation in these types of situations.”
Russell supports Hamilton
With Hamilton already trailing the championship leader by 58 points.
His chances of a record eighth world championship seem all but over already, at least for this season.
Russell, who has outperformed hamilton in 3 of the 4 races so far, said he was confident things will change for Lewis.
“Lewis will come back incredibly strongly, and I have no doubt about that,” Russell said.
“He is so strong and the way he is motivating and pushing the team is inspiring.
“I am not getting comfortable in this position because I know what he is capable of.”