In the past few years of the modern Formula 1 era, there’s only one rivalry that stands out. However, when it comes to an intra-team rivalry, nothing tops the one between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. The two drivers started their Mercedes tenure as friends, but arguably their relationship quickly deteriorated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Over the course of their Mercedes career, the two men became fierce competitors, and the world witnessed the birth of their rivalry. Towards the twilight of their Mercedes partnership, there was a lot of animosity between the two. Apart from the many incidents of hostility, one from the US Grand Prix stands out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
At the 2015 US GP, Rosberg lost out to Hamilton with 10 laps to go, due to a lapse in concentration. Hamilton won the race and also the championship second time in a row as a Mercedes pilot.
Rosberg’s throw did not invoke any reaction from the race winner. However, Sebastian Vettel, the third podium place recipient, found the entire incident amusing.
The German mocked his fellow countryman’s actions by recreating the entire incident with Hamilton. The recreation was especially hilarious, as Vettel and Hamilton mocked the German’s actions right in front of him.
DIVE DEEPER
The cap toss incident became a big talking point in the media in the following weeks as a desolate Rosberg’s emotions got the best of him. This entire incident gives us a rare glimpse into the whole Hamilton and Rosberg dynamic and how their relationship as teammates eventually came to an end.
Although fleeting and inconsequential, the cap spat became a huge talking point. The German, however, channeled his anger from the spat for the coming races.
Nico Rosberg used his cap spat with Lewis Hamilton to his advantage
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The German was naturally in the news after his cap toss. He initially brushed it off as, “nothing, just our typical games” but later revealed he was “p*ssed off.”
SOCHI, RUSSIA – MAY 01: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP speaks with his team-mate Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP as he celebrates his win on the podium during the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on May 1 , 2016 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
The German channeled his anger from the US GP incident to win the remaining three races of the 2015 season. Rosberg continued his winning run and won the opening four races of the 2016 season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Ugliest moments in Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry
To put the cherry on top, Rosberg ended the 2016 season on the same high as he started it by winning his maiden championship. Rosberg retired after his championship-winning season with the last laugh and by putting the cap spat well behind him.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://formulaone.news/mercedes/charles-leclerc-lays-down-gauntlet-for-title-rival-max-verstappen-with-strongest-theory-f1-sports
