Mercedes boss Wolff slams Hamilton, Rosberg after both crash in final lap of the Austrian Grand Prix; Lewis claims victory
Spielberg (Austria): Mercedes chief Toto Wolff called his drivers 'brainless' after Lewis Hamilton survived a collision with his teammate Nico Rosberg in a wild final lap yesterday to claim a dramatic victory in a pulsating Austrian Grand Prix.
Toto Wolff
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Rosberg appeared on course to claim his sixth victory of the season, but crashed into Hamilton as the Briton attempted to pass him around the outside of turn two.
The German sustained damage to his front wing in the incident, allowing Hamilton to assume the lead and subsequent victory, while he could limp home only in fourth. The collision between the championship protagonists enabled Red Bull's Max Verstappen to claim second with Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen taking the last spot on the podium.
The live feed cut to a furious Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who thumped his fist on the table as he watched the incident unfold.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his Austrian GP win in Spielberg, Austria yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
Wolff described the collision as "brainless". "It could have been a double DNF," he told Sky Sports 1. "At the moment I do not know what I will say (to Hamilton and Rosberg)."
Wolff and Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda both said Rosberg had suffered a brake problem. "It was not funny to watch it," said Lauda. "I know that Nico had a brake problem."
Rosberg, now just 11 points ahead of Hamilton in the championship, limped over the line in fourth place. "I'm absolutely gutted," said Rosberg. "It's unbelievable. We were battling and I was struggling a little bit with my brakes. I gave Lewis a chance. I had the inside line and I went a bit deep in the corner and I was surprised that Lewis turned in and that caused the collision."
Nico Rosberg
Hamilton said. "I was on the outside," said Hamilton. "It wasn't me that crashed." It was the 46th win of his career. "What an incredible race," said Hamilton. "It was tough. I love it here... I don't know what that's about. It's not my problem. It's their problem."
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