The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Mercedes was not just about speed on track. Otmar Szafnauer, then Team Principal of Force India, revealed that Hamilton often engaged in mental games to disrupt Rosberg. On the High Performance podcast, Szafnauer recounted one of Hamilton's unique tactics: hiding the football Rosberg used for warm-up before races.
Rosberg was known for his pre-race routine. He liked to kick a football to relax and sharpen his reflexes. "Rosberg loved to get ready for a race. Probably relaxed him, got his reactions sharp, and guess what Lewis used to do? Hide the ball. He used to hide the ball," Szafnauer said. This tactic was part of a 'psychological war' Hamilton waged to unsettle his rival.
Beyond the ball, Szafnauer also disclosed that Hamilton would lock himself in the drivers' bathroom before a race, knowing Rosberg might need a bathroom break. This echoed a similar incident involving Michael Schumacher and Rosberg in Monaco, where Rosberg ended up urinating in a bottle at the back of the garage. "So Schumacher did it. So Lewis probably learned. But, Lewis, hide the ball, I like that," Szafnauer added.
The Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry was intense during their four years as teammates at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016. They had several controversial on-track incidents, including a collision in Barcelona 2016. However, Rosberg ultimately clinched the 2016 world title in Abu Dhabi before retiring from Formula 1 at the FIA Prize Giving ceremony.
This story proves that battles in F1 are not confined to the track; mind games are a weapon for drivers to gain an edge, and Hamilton is known as one of the masters. Szafnauer, now CEO of Aston Martin, offers a unique perspective from his time in the paddock.
With these tactics revealed, fans can better understand the dynamics of the rivalry between two top drivers who were once teammates. Although Rosberg has retired, his rivalry with Hamilton will always be part of modern F1 history.
Baca Juga
Isack Hadjar dipastikan kembali ke Red Bull untuk GP Azerbaijan di Baku setelah pulih dari cedera pergelangan tangan. Liam Lawson kembali ke Racing Bulls.
F1 Commission setujui pemangkasan jarak balapan menjadi 290 km mulai 2027 untuk mengakomodasi perubahan power unit. Simak alasan dan dampaknya bagi tim dan pembalap.
FIA mengumumkan perubahan regulasi F1 2027: jarak balapan dipangkas, aturan waktu diperbarui, dan homologasi gearbox dihapus. Simak dampaknya bagi tim dan penggemar.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!