Nico Rosberg believes that Mercedes gifted Valtteri Bottas the race win in Japan by bringing Lewis Hamilton in for an extra pit stop. The 2016 World Champion believes his former team did this to repay Bottas for all he has done for the Silver Arrows this season.
"They could do two things. They can tell Hamilton to let Bottas pass, but of course that doesn't look like it. Mercedes is world champion there, then it is not good for your image to give the victory within your own team as a gift," Rosberg said in a YouTube video.
"This was all they could do. They would make a loss anyway and since that title has already arrived, this was the best option. They may lose a 1-2, but they still have the confidence of Bottas. However, Hamilton was unhappy with this after the race, that may be clear."
Mercedes won the constructor's championship at the Grand Prix and only Bottas or Hamilton can win the driver's championship.
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British Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 03.07.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
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03:30 PM
Saturday 04.07.26
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03:00 PM
Sunday 05.07.26
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Friday 03.07.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 03:30 PM
Saturday 04.07.26
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Sat 03:00 PM
Sunday 05.07.26
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 171 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 131 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 125 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 80 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 79 | |
6 | FerrariFER | 79 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 73 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 42 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 41 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 30 |
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