The Formula 1 world has been rocked by a fiery interview from Nico Rosberg, who unleashed a torrent of criticism directed at his former teammate Lewis Hamilton. The 2016 World Champion’s remarks came in the wake of Hamilton’s recent departure announcement from Mercedes, along with a significant revelation that has left fans and analysts stunned.

Speaking candidly during an exclusive interview, Rosberg didn’t hold back when discussing Hamilton’s tenure at Mercedes and the team’s current state.

“Lewis may be a great driver, but let’s not pretend he’s blameless for the issues Mercedes is facing now. The decisions he’s made, both on and off the track, have had a lasting impact,” Rosberg said.

Rosberg’s critique didn’t stop there. He addressed Hamilton’s announcement to leave the team, calling it “poorly timed” and suggesting it could create further instability for Mercedes:

“It’s a bombshell for the team. Lewis knows how much this disrupts everyone, especially at a time when they’re trying to rebuild.”

The tension between Rosberg and Hamilton is nothing new. The former teammates shared a heated rivalry during their time at Mercedes, culminating in Rosberg’s dramatic 2016 championship win. While Rosberg retired shortly after, the friction between the two has lingered, with occasional jabs exchanged through media appearances over the years.

Rosberg also touched on Mercedes’ struggles in recent seasons, blaming a lack of cohesion and what he described as “poor leadership decisions.” Though he didn’t explicitly name Hamilton, his implication was clear:

“When you’re in a position of influence, you have to think about the bigger picture, not just your own legacy.”

Unsurprisingly, Rosberg’s comments have ignited a frenzy among F1 fans. While some praised his honesty, others accused him of harboring bitterness toward Hamilton. Social media platforms were flooded with divided opinions:

• “Rosberg is just salty that Hamilton overshadowed his one championship win,” one fan tweeted.
• “Nico makes a valid point—Lewis leaving now is a bad look for Mercedes,” another argued.

Hamilton’s departure, coupled with Rosberg’s controversial remarks, has added further uncertainty to Mercedes’ future. The team is already grappling with performance challenges and an evolving driver lineup. Toto Wolff, team principal, has yet to comment on Rosberg’s statements but recently emphasized the importance of moving forward:

“We’re focused on building the best possible team for the future. Internal politics and external noise won’t distract us.”

Amid the swirling controversy, Hamilton has chosen to remain silent. Known for his composed demeanor, it’s unclear whether he will respond to Rosberg’s latest critique.

As the dust settles on this explosive revelation, one thing is certain: the drama between Rosberg and Hamilton continues to captivate F1 fans, ensuring their rivalry remains one of the sport’s most compelling narratives.