With Nico Rosberg in command of championship proceedings, 11 points ahead of teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 circus set up camp at the hallowed Spa-Francorchamps for a race which would prove to be the turning point of the season.
When the lights went off Hamilton passed the slow-starting Rosberg and stole into the lead on the run up to La Source. Vettel too made a good start and passed his fellow German around the outside. Vettel then attempted to overtake Hamilton into Les Combes but out-braked himself, ran wide and rejoined behind Rosberg.
The drama wasn’t over. On the following lap Rosberg attempted a pass on his team-mate at Les Combes, but as Hamilton shut the door the pair collided, the right side of Rosberg’s front wing clipping the rear left-tyre of Hamilton’s car.
The Briton immediately swerved off track with a puncture while Rosberg incurred heavy front-end damage. Hamilton limped back to the pits for a new wheel, but while Rosberg reported much damage he was told to stay out and see how matters developed. He recovered and finished second to Daniel Ricciardo.
What transpired after was crux to the final outcome of the title race. Mercedes lambasted their German driver, Hamilton pouted and sulked, while Rosberg grovelled and apologised, perhaps stunned by the booing which followed him thereafter.
The Silver Arrows inexperienced management went to town over the incident and even slapped Rosberg with a six figure fine, and all the time Rosberg simply absorbed the punishment – he was well and truly castigated (or make that castrated) for the clash which was nothing more than a racing incident.
The good guy that he is, Rosberg reacted with decency and sportsmanship, but the problem is good guys seldom win Formula 1 world championships. And sadly this may be the reason he never wins a F1 world title.
For argument’s sake it would have been interesting if the roles had been reversed, namely Hamilton clipping Rosberg… one thing is sure the Briton would not have capitulated, and grovelled an apology, and that’s why he is world champion.
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