Nico Rosberg admitted his dismay at the way the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS team’s afternoon at the Spanish Grand Prix ended after he and team-mate Lewis Hamilton collided on the opening lap on Sunday.
Rosberg revealed that the switch dictating which power mode his #6 car was in was in the wrong position as he headed out of turn three, meaning Hamilton had a run on the German, but Rosberg attempted to defend his position heading towards turn four, pushing the Briton onto the grass.
Rosberg felt great after getting a good start to jump into the lead at the first corner, but was gutted to end his race in the turn four gravel trap after Hamilton’s errant car hit his own car.
“I had a great start and I was ecstatic after passing Lewis around the outside of turn one,” said Rosberg. “At that point, it was my race to win.
“I came out of turn three and realised I was down on power with the wrong mode selected due to the engine mode switch being in the incorrect position. Lewis was closing in, so I decided to make a clear move to the right hand side as soon as possible, to close the door and show him that wasn’t an option.
“I was very surprised that Lewis went for the inside anyway. The next thing I knew, we were in the gravel trap. I’m gutted, not just for myself but for the whole team, it’s the worst feeling as a driver.”
