The FIA are unlikely to launch an investigation into the clash between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, despite it coming to light that the German chose not to avoid contact to ‘make a point’.
The BBC reports that the governing body might take action against Rosberg, but this is now thought to be unlikely with a source close to the FIA confirming the matter to be ‘closed’.
The stewards chose not to investigate the clash, which saw Rosberg swipe Hamilton’s left-rear with his front-wing, causing a puncture, but it was revealed after that the stewards did discuss the matter internally before making their decision not to take it further.
However with reports that Rosberg said he wanted to make a point by holding his line, aware that it would result in contact, there were fresh claims that the matter should be re-opened and investigated.
With no recording of the team debrief available to the FIA and a refusal from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to elaborate further on what was said, there is very little in the way of evidence.
Rosberg however isn’t expected to go unpunished. Hamilton’s comments after the race prompted Wolff to hint at some form of action against the German for what was considered an unnecessary incident.
“It reminds me of being at school… teachers will talk but they don’t do nothing,” said Hamilton. “You just get a detention. They won’t even do that. There’s nothing you can do.”
Wolff disagrees, adding: “If Lewis said there’s going to be a slap on the wrist and no consequence then he’s not aware of what consequences we can implement.”
The general consensus is that Rosberg might be ordered not to challenge Hamilton at the next race in Italy, should he find himself behind the Briton. Whether Rosberg heeds such information is another matter and one that is likely to remain internal to avoid further damage to the teams image.
