Mercedes have offered their sincerest apologies after a tyre on Nico Rosberg’s car came loose as he left his pit-box.
The tyre rolled down the pitlane at speeds between 30 and 40mph narrowly missing the Sauber mechanics who were readying themselves for Kamui Kobayashi.
As it continued its journey it hit some equipment and bounced into the air over the heads of some of the Williams mechanics before hitting and knocking down Nigel Hope, a Williams truck driver.
Nigel thankfully only suffered from some minor bruising and returned to his duties after a quick check-over.
Rosberg, who used to drive for the Williams team, joked that he was more worried about his tyre after hearing that it hit ‘Big Nige’.
“After I heard that my tyre hit big Nige, one of my old Williams truckies, I was more concerned about my tyre than him!
“But seriously, it’s great that he doesn’t have any serious injures and I’m sorry for the incident,” said the German.
Mercedes principal, Ross Brawn, says his team will launch a full investigation into how the incident occurred, also apologising to the injured mechanic.
“We will have a thorough investigation into the incident and report our conclusions to the FIA.
“We are thankful that no serious harm was caused by the stray wheel and send our best wishes to the Williams mechanic who was unfortunately injured.”
