I'd say it could be a stroke of (evil) genius. When the chips are down, Hamilton gets very emotional whilst driving. That either leads to dominant, crazy fight-backs, or efforts like today where he pathetically gave up (very disappointed, even with a broken floor he was capable of setting fast times, but never even threatened the top 10). Rosberg's just made Hamilton very very angry. That could ensure Lewis' inconsistency for the rest of the championship, while Nico's steady eddy routine pays off.
Hamilton has many many strengths, but speed of thought and mental toughness are not 2 of them. I have no doubt that Hamilton is a superior driver than Nico, but it would appear that as a complete package, Nico is actually (and surprisingly) better.
If Rosberg wins this championship it will definitely not be on merit... I don't see the team doing much despite toto's talk of more than a slap on the wrists, whatever they do end up doing is likely to be a hefty fine or something alone those lines, but the advantage has been gained and that cant be taken away. a race suspension would be fair i think, but what are the chances of that happening. Rosberg is likely to come off pretty much scott free and probably a title at the end of the season
There really isn't a lot they can do tbh...They're not going to punish themselves. It's done, move on.
Seen ideas of being benched for a race - Sam Bird to replace? As a question, do you think this was revenge for Lewis not moving over for Nico?
I think most F1 drivers would prefer to be an unpopular champion than a popular also ran no, it was payback for Bahrain, Lewis chop started the bad feeling.
Mercedes cannot bench Rosberg for a race unless they simultaneously plan to hire some heavy muscle to take out Ricciardo. If Nico and Lewis keep taking points off each other Ricciardo is in the perfect place to "do a Raikkonen" and snipe the championship from them both.
I'd be really surprised if they bench Rosberg... I honestly can't see them doing that. As for the revenge bit. It would be a bit odd to look for revenge for racing. I'd have thought it would be more of a heat of the moment thing. But who knows.
If Ricciardo can get through Italy without losing too much ground, then with the next few races after that suiting the Red Bull, he does have a legit chance, especially with the Merc's on the warpath.
well it may be done but people aren't going to move on and why should they, this could gift Rosberg the title. by suspending Rosberg they wouldn't punish themselves as a reserve driver would take his place
Most likely yes, things got sour from Bahrain. Can you imagine the nuclear fallout if Ricciardo takes rhis? Ross Brawn might have to return - Lewis leaves for Mclaren - Vettel replaces...
He's gone out there, as the unfavoured number 2, and matched his world champion teammate, i think he's more than deserving should he win it. One moment of madness doesn't change a whole season of excellence. I didn't see people calling foul when Vettel won the title in 2010/11 (can't remember which one) when he took Webber's wing at Silverstone
You do know it has been blown out of proportion as Lewis's countless fans are shouting foul**. I suppose it is one downside of being the teammate of such a high profile champion. **Not saying they shouldn't.
Not sure I agree on the #2 bit, but yeah... whatever happened today doesn't define his season. I'm gutted about it, because I think that might be it for Hamilton. Still plenty of racing left, but all the momentum is with Rosberg.
