Rosberg takes British Grand Prix in wild race
SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND — Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg won an explosive British Grand Prix on Sunday after four drivers, including early race leader Lewis Hamilton, were hit by dramatic tire blowouts and three-time champion Sebastian Vettel retired while leading with 10 laps remaining due to mechanical problems.
With Vettel’s Red Bull teammate Mark Webber closing fast, Rosberg managed to win his second race of the year and third of his career by 0.7 seconds in a nail-biting finish — though he then had to survive a stewards inquiry.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who started ninth, made a late charge up the grid and got past Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen with two laps remaining to claim third. Hamilton also recovered to finish fourth after his blown tire sent him to the back of the grid in the eighth lap.
Soon after celebrating, Rosberg risked seeing his victory slip away when he was referred to the stewards for not slowing down for yellow flags in turns 3 and 5. The stewards ruled that Rosberg “did not make a significant reduction in speed,” but would only receive a reprimand, or warning. After three reprimands during a season, drivers are given a 10-place grid penalty.
“Fantastic, it’s very special,” said Rosberg, who also won in Monaco and in China last year. “Our team has done such a fantastic job. We have such momentum at the moment, progressing all the time.”