Lauda blames 'too aggressive Lewis' for shock Mercedes debacle

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The start of the Spanish GP quickly turned out to be Mercedes worst nightmare with both its drivers succeeding in taking themselves out after just two corners.

Launching his race from his 52nd career pole, Lewis Hamilton stormed off the grid but was passed for the lead by team mate Nico Rosberg on the outside of Turn 1.

Hamilton then enjoyed a good run out of Turn 2 before attacking Rosberg on the inside. But the German, defending his position, tried to block his rival, squeezing him on to the grass.

A passenger as his car rotated, the reigning world champion collected Rosberg, putting both cars into the gravel trap.

While Hamilton's move appeared a tad optimistic, Rosberg's defending maneuver was certainly also perceived as harsh.

As a result of the incident, the stewards have announced they will investigate the incident involving both drivers after the race.

Reacting immediately after happening, Mercedes' Niki Lauda thoroughly put the blame on Hamilton.

"Completely unnecessary, and to have both Mercedes out after two corners is for me unacceptable," Lauda told Sky Sports Ted Kravitz.

"Lewis was too aggressive to pass him (Rosberg). Why should Nico give him room, he was in the lead, it's very simple.

"It was a miscalculation in Lewis' head. I blame him more than Nico, but for the team and for Mercedes this is unacceptable. "

Given the intense rivalry which has developed between the two Silver Arrows driver, who already came close to taking each other out at Spa in 2014, both drivers' are warned at every pre-race briefing about the consequences of an on-track clash in the early stages of the race.

"There always pressure," Lauda insisted. "Since Spa two years ago, think God nothing has happened. So why here ? This must be explained to me."

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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.