Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg said in a recent interview with f1i that ‘a gust of wind’ was responsible for his mistake in Austin, which gave team-mate Lewis Hamilton the lead of the Grand Prix.
German driver Rosberg was leading the field with eight laps to go until he encountered some oversteer, causing his car to run wide in Turn 16 and leave the track momentarily. This cost him enough time to allow Briton Hamilton to take the lead of the race, which he eventually won.
Ex-Williams driver Rosberg described the incident as ‘unbelievable’. He wasn’t aware what was the cause of him going off the track but later revealed that it was courtesy of windy conditions.
Rosberg said that ‘it was a gust of wind…a big one!’. He then admitted it was still his mistake but also mentioned how ‘everybody has it, so you can’t really use it as an excuse.’
The German, who won this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, said that he ‘lost a lot of downforce as a result.’
He also added: ”For me to understand it, it is a very unusual scenario that happened just once in all of those laps, so I understand the mistake and it helps me moving forward.”
The Mercedes driver said that he is in positive mood ahead of this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix after performing well at the Circuit of The Americas.
Rosberg’s mistake caused championship rival Lewis Hamilton to clinch the Driver’s Title.
Ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, Rosberg said: ”I am able to reset and I am excited to be here. I want to win. That’s it. Ready to go.”
