Lauda blames Hamilton for Rosberg crash

Niki Lauda has blamed Lewis Hamilton for the crash that eliminated both Mercedes drivers from the Spanish Grand Prix in the first lap on Sunday.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton had started on pole, but was overtaken on the outside at turn one by his team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Niki Lauda has blamed Lewis Hamilton for the crash that eliminated both Mercedes drivers from the Spanish Grand Prix in the first lap on Sunday.

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Defending champion Hamilton had started on pole, but was overtaken on the outside at turn one by his team-mate Nico Rosberg.

In trying to regain the lead, Hamilton attempted to pass Rosberg on the inside at turn four but was squeezed onto the grass. Hamilton subsequently lost control, spinning into Rosberg and taking both drivers out of the race.

And three-time world champion Lauda was in no doubt as to who was at fault for the incident.

"Completely unnecessary I would say," said Mercedes' non-executive chairman. "For both Mercedes to be out after one lap is unacceptable.

"Lewis was too aggressive to pass him, why should Nico give him room he was leading. It was a miscalculation in Lewis' head, I blame him more than Nico."