Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Hamilton suggests Rosberg win devised by Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton has suggested that team mate Nico Rosberg's win in last weekend's Mexican Grand Prix was worked out by Mercedes to keep the German driver 'happy'.

It was widely thought that the Mercedes duo was on a one-stop race strategy on Sunday after radio chatter in the Mercedes camp confirmed the plan. But given their extended gap at the front, both drivers were ordered in for a second stop which was then deemed precautionary by the Mercedes pitwall.

Hamilton initially disputed the call, believing he was comfortable racing to the end on his set of medium rubber, but ultimately adhered to the order.

The 2015 World Champion appeared to close in on Rosberg in the final stages of the race but either he purposefully refrained from attacking his team mate or Rosberg successfully kept him at bay. Hamilton's post-race comments suggest the former scenario.

"I know the team has felt the need to be extra warm [towards Rosberg]," he told reporters.

"I do know what I mean but I'm not going to say what I mean. You should ask Toto and Niki. Put those questions to them about how they feel about it. What they have to do behind the scenes to keep him happy."

Ham's remarks may just be mind games intended on keeping Rosberg under wraps. One could consider that Mercedes' decision to pit both drivers was a sensible one however, destined to ensure the team's dominant triumph as well as a fair treatment of both men.

REPORT: Rosberg holds off Hamilton in Mexican GP as Vettel crashes

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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.