- Mercedes
Rosberg 'not proud' about Belgium collision
Nico Rosberg says he is not proud of what occurred at the Belgian Grand Prix and insists he chose to apologise to Lewis Hamilton after reviewing the footage from Spa.
After the race Rosberg was adamant that the collision had not been his fault, saying it had been nothing more than a "racing incident". However Rosberg backtracked on that viewpoint in the week after the Belgian Grand Prix following a punishment from Mercedes, something he told a packed FIA press conference - which was also attended by Hamilton - was a genuine change of heart.
"It was with time," Rosberg said when asked why his viewpoint changed. "I took the week to think about it and have a look about it, then discuss with the team on Friday. In the end I decided it was me who needed to take responsibility for it. They [the team] can't make me apologise, it definitely was a decision that came from me after hearing other people's opinions and having looked at it myself again I felt that it was my responsibility."
Rosberg says he is unhappy he ruined the spectacle for fans who had travelled to Belgium to see a great fight between the title contenders - with some booing him when he arrived on the podium.
"In Spa I was not proud of the way it went because in general I really want to contribute to my sport, I want it to be the most entertaining sport in the world. It was not a nice feeling to hear boos towards me but I understand. They travelled a long way to see an exciting race and a good battle between me and Lewis - I understand that and accept that."
Despite the last two races having controversy surrounding the Mercedes drivers Rosberg insists there is no tension in the garage.
"In general there has been throughout the season a healthy rivalry, within the team also. That is why we are where we are. We have the best car out there, we are the best team at the moment and that's because we work well as a team. If you don't work well as a team you can't dominate the sport as we are at the moment, so that's proof. It's been very clear from the beginning that we must not have contact between us team-mates so from that point of view that doesn't change for the future, that stays the same."
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