Mercedes’ Niki Lauda says he “understands” the five-second time penalty handed to Nico Rosberg for forcing Red Bull’s Max Verstappen off track at the German Grand Prix.

Having dropped to fourth after a poor launch from pole position, Rosberg looked to get on the move following his second pit stop and made a late lunge on the inside of Verstappen at the Turn 6 hairpin.

Although the pair did not clash, the Dutchman had to take evasive action and quickly complained over his team radio that he had been pushed wide by the Mercedes driver. Upon reviewing the incident, the Hockenheim stewards decided to penalise Rosberg.

Asked for his views on the sanction by Sky Sports F1, Lauda said: “Honestly I think it’s OK. They interpreted in the way that [Nico] went too wide. I understand. It is a 50/50 decision. If they decided that way, there is nothing you can do.”

Despite being on the back foot, Rosberg still had a shot at recovering to second place but the German was unable to outpace and overtake the Red Bulls ahead of him in the closing stages of the race.

“Nico lost speed on his car, not from a mechanical or other reason,” Lauda added. “And the Red Bull improved their speed. They were really good.

“I have to say they were quicker here altogether than I would have thought, which was a good result for them.”

REPORT: Hamilton beats Red Bulls to extend championship lead

LIVE: German Grand Prix weekend

Silbermann says ... Backing the wrong horse

Exclusive Alex Wurz Q&A: GPDA chairman "surprised" by Halo delay

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

1 hour ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

2 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

17 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

19 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

20 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

22 hours ago