Lauda 'understands' Rosberg penalty

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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.”

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Julien Billiotte