Former Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg reversed his initial comments on the on-track clash between Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the Mexico City Grand Prix, ultimately agreeing that Leclerc deserved a penalty.
Hamilton had qualified on pole for the race but finished second after Max Verstappen took victory. The seven-time champion said Ferrari needed to hold "serious talks" after his race was disrupted on the first lap when Leclerc went off on to the grass and returned in the lead, later receiving a five-second time penalty.
Rosberg's initial remarks and U-turn
Rosberg first argued that Leclerc often receives the blame, saying: "Interestingly, it's always Charles' fault, isn't it? It's never Lewis's fault. In the last couple of times, in Monza it was Charles, here it was Charles…"
However, after reviewing the footage, Rosberg changed his mind, saying: "Leclerc was a bit too aggressive there [at Turns 1 and 2], I'd have to say. Leclerc was ahead going in, I think you've got to keep it now. The problem is that Leclerc was only ahead on the outside because he just braked way too late… wow, this is a tough one. My final verdict is that Leclerc would deserve to lose a bit of race time and probably get a five-second penalty."
He added: "I've changed my mind! I think I would go for that now. [10 seconds] would be too much, especially because Lewis also went off. I think five would probably be the fairest at the moment."
Drivers give their accounts
Hamilton expressed frustration after the race, saying: "In the drivers' briefing we discussed that, as soon as you go off at turn one, you have to give the position back. Last year, I got a 10-second penalty for that same move that he did. Ultimately, it was that which lost us the win today. We have to have some serious talks behind the scenes, for sure."
Leclerc defended his actions, saying: "Turn one and two, there was a gap and when you're fighting for a win, I will always go for it. Turn four and five, I braked as late as I possibly could and I guess Lewis did the same. We both didn't make the corner. Then, in my head, it was about giving the position back. But then Lewis got overtaken by Max and I thought it was worth it to try and see what happened, because it was a very confusing situation. I tried to ask on the radio, but I just kept my position. I'm sure Lewis definitely hated those first few laps. We'll discuss it."
Kimi Antonelli's third-place finish secured the Drivers' Championship, leaving him with a 119-point lead over nearest challenger Max Verstappen and a 121-point gap to Hamilton.
