Drivers criticise Rosberg for 'ridiculous' Shanghai spat

Nico Rosberg is not backing down after accusing his teammate Lewis Hamilton of driving too slowly en route to victory in China last Sunday. "I said what I felt," the German told British television Sky, "but I really have put Shanghai behind me now."

Two former F1 drivers, however, say the Mercedes driver was unwise to have criticised Hamilton for his driving tactics. "I've never heard anything like it," said Marc Surer, now a television pundit, told the German broadcaster Sky.

"A driver complaining that another driver is driving too slowly in front of him is ridiculous and does himself and formula one no favours," he added. "I think he is frustrated and angry, but if you don't even try to overtake, you can't win the race," said Surer.

Jochen Mass, meanwhile, told the Kolner Express newspaper that Rosberg's post-race comments were "outrageous". "And even if he (Hamilton) did slow him on purpose, I would shut up and try to pass him next time. I would advise him to give his responses through his driving," he added.

Finally, Hamilton's former teammate Jenson Button said Rosberg will now learn that criticising the 30-year-old publicly is not the best tactic. "Talking in the press about something you are unhappy about only makes Lewis stronger," he is quoted by the Mirror.

"You can only rattle him by beating him, and for every race Lewis wins it is going to get worse (for Rosberg)," Button added. "Nico is unhappy and has a right to be, but where can you point the finger? Lewis winning eight out of ten (races) to Nico's one, that's big." (GMM)

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • denis1304

    Posts: 284

    I would really like to see Rosberg win F1 championship, but if he doesn't even try to overtake Hamilton... If you remember last years Americas GP, then you see how different approach Lewis have to racing

    • + 0
    • Apr 16 2015 - 14:57

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team McLaren
  • Points 37
  • Podiums 0
  • Grand Prix 41
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 19 1980 (46)
  • Place of b. Frome, Somerset, GB
  • Weight 72 kg
  • Length 1.82 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar