Rosberg chimes in on Vettel-Hamilton clash

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Nico Rosberg made a brief F1 comeback yesterday, albeit one which involved performing donuts for the pleasure of the crowd rather than driving his Mercedes in anger.

As a guest of Lord March's traditional Festival of Speed, the reigning world champion raced up the Goodwood hill a few times before immersing himself with the fans.

Later on, on the balcony of Goodwood House, the German was interviewed by former F1 colleague Mark Webber who could resist asking his opinion on the events that unfolded in Baku.

"I'm German, I've got to be careful now!" Rosberg joked.

"It's pretty simple. I'm the guy who knows Lewis best in the whole of the racing industry, so I think I'm in the best position to judge it and for sure he didn't do that one on purpose, definitely."

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For good measure, Rosberg then returned the question, asking Webber for his own thoughts on the matter and who was to blame for the much publicized incident.

"It's very easy. Sebastian," quipped the Aussie.

Robert Kubica, who was also present at Goodwood yesterday, also stood by Hamilton in his account of the clash, although he insisted the incident wasn't as clear cut as many believe.

"It was kind of borderline," Kubica told Sky Sports.

"My personal opinion is that Seb overreacted, but it can happen. Of course, he was not happy with it after the race and maybe it's difficult to admit it, but he is intelligent enough to realise he went a bit too far.

"That's part of racing and when the battle gets spiced up it's always important to keep your nerves and be concentrated, ambitious and keep everything under control."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.