The FIA has cleared Nico Rosberg of dangerous driving after he was involved in two racing incidents, one with Lewis Hamilton and the other with Fernando Alonso.
The first incident involving the McLaren driver happened on lap 10 between turns three and four. Rosberg forced Hamilton onto the concrete run-off as he attempted an overtake which he successfully completed.
The second incident with Alonso was almost an exact clone, but the Spaniard failed to complete his pass on Rosberg and later complained over the radio that he was pushed wide by the German.
Both drivers came dangerously close to hitting the barrier which protrudes into the run-off to give access to an escape road.
The stewards announced that both incidents would be investigated after the race, but both have been put down to ‘racing incidents’ and therefore no action will be taken against any of the three drivers.
Another incident involving Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez in the pitlane was also dismissed.
The FIA gave the following explanations:
Rosberg vs. Hamilton
In relation to the incident involving Car 8 Nico Rosberg and Car 4 Lewis Hamilton the Stewards, having heard from both drivers and team representatives Messrs R Meadows and S Michael, and having examined the video and telemetry evidence, unanimously decide to take no further action.
In accordance with Article 16.1 (last paragraph) the matter was investigated after the Race.
Reasons
1. The driver of Car 8 commenced his move to the right after the exit from T3 and moved to the right in a constant and continuous straight line manner, not making any sudden movements (as evidenced by telemetry and video evidence) and;
2. At the time he commenced his move, Car 4 was behind him and no part of his car was alongside Car 8 and;
3. The driver of Car 8 made the move to the right prior to the driver of Car 4 making the same move and;
4. For more than half of the distance travelled by Car 8 in moving in a straight line towards the right hand edge of the track, Car 4 remained behind Car 8 and;
5. Because the delta speed between the two cars was quite significant it was difficult for Car 8 to detect the exact position of Car 4 in relation to his own car;
6. Had a significant portion of Car 4 been alongside that of Car 8 whilst Car 4 still remained within the confines of the track, then the actions of Car 8 may not have been considered legitimate.
Rosberg vs. Alonso
In relation to the incident involving Car 8 Nico Rosberg and Car 5 Fernando Alonso the Stewards, having heard from both drivers and team representatives Messrs R Meadows and M Rivola, and having examined the video and telemetry evidence, unanimously decide to take no further action.
In accordance with Article 16.1 (last paragraph) the matter was investigated after the Race.
Reasons
1. The driver of Car 8 commenced his move to the right after the exit from T3 and moved to the right in a
constant and continuous straight line manner, not making any sudden movements (as evidenced by
telemetry and video evidence) and;
2. At the time he commenced his move, Car 5 was behind him and no part of his car was alongside Car 8 and;
3. The driver of Car 8 made the move to the right prior to the driver of Car 5 making the same move and;
4. For more than half of the distance travelled by Car 8 in moving in a straight line towards the right hand
edge of the track, Car 5 remained behind Car 8 and;
5. Because the delta speed between the two cars was quite significant it was difficult for Car 8 to detect the exact position of Car 5 in relation to his own car;
6. No part of Car 5 was alongside that of Car 8.
