{"id":2110657,"date":"2026-08-24T10:46:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:46:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110657"},"modified":"2026-08-24T10:46:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:46:31","slug":"nico-rosberg-drops-verdict-on-mercedes-dutch-gp-f1-team-orders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2110657","title":{"rendered":"Nico Rosberg drops verdict on Mercedes\u2019 Dutch GP F1 team orders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Nico Rosberg drops verdict on Mercedes\u2019 Dutch GP F1 team orders<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Nico Rosberg has weighed in on Mercedes&#8217; decision to use team orders at Zandvoort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-08-24T11:46:31+01:00\">24 Aug 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>It was all smiles at the end between Antonelli and Russell<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<aside>\n<div class=\"preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div>  Prefer Crash.Net on Google <\/div>\n<div> See our stories more often<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"button\">  Add <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Rosberg has weighed in on the Mercedes Formula 1 team\u2019s decision to use team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>George Russell was told to give up second place to his team-mate &#8211; and direct title rival &#8211; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who had sacrificed track position under a virtual safety car by pitting for fresh tyres in a last-ditch attempt to challenge McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris for the win.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli soon caught Russell and Mercedes asked the Briton to move aside so that he did not hold up his faster team-mate given the difficulty of overtaking at Zandvoort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russell initially questioned the call, expressing his concerns about being vulnerable to the Ferraris on fresh tyres behind, but ultimately followed the order, before successfully fending off Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to complete the podium.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell waved Antonelli past<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The use of team orders was considered harsh by some given it cost Russell three points in the world championship and has seen him drop 59 points adrift of points leader Antonelli.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But Rosberg defended the Brackley outfit\u2019s pitwall decision when speaking during Sky Sports F1\u2019s coverage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The team is under threat, and the two drivers have to drive for the team. In my time also, I had to let Lewis past once in Monaco, even though we were fighting for the championship against each other,\u201d the 2016 world champion said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Here it&#8217;s the same situation, the team result was under threat by the two Ferraris behind, so you have to apply team orders, and they have to follow them, and I think it was fair play. George did a fantastic job to hold on to that third place.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-205217fa397090cdecb729334bd6e820dfcd2114b4f7f8e46ef16804cd29bc7d\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;We were always going to invert&#8217; &#8211; George Russell&#8217;s response to assertive Mercedes team orders<\/li>\n<li>Kimi Antonelli doubles down on Mercedes\u2019 McLaren F1 title fears <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rosberg added: \u201cThe expectation at the time was that George was really going to struggle with pace and that the\u00a0Ferraris would therefore threaten not only his position but also Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s position if Kimi was stuck behind George.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Rosberg won the 2016 F1 title with Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;So it really risks both positions at the same time. It&#8217;s a tough one, it&#8217;s really a horrible decision to make. I would not want to be in their position. And if I was in George&#8217;s place, it would hurt so much. It would be a disaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But it&#8217;s somewhat understandable because I do know the team rules very precisely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After the race, Russell conceded that Mercedes ultimately made the right decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Kimi was ahead of me anyway, so he deserved to finish ahead. Of course, when you&#8217;re in the race, you want to fight for every single position,&#8221; Russell said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also defended the call, telling Sky Sports F1: &#8220;We had a free stop with Kimi &#8211; a team internal free stop &#8211; and George was incredibly at the end fighting and also fending off the Ferraris, who were on a much quicker car. Was really, really exceptional.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That [the decision] looks difficult on the outside but not on the inside. It&#8217;s a situation we discussed very often, also today in the morning &#8216;we&#8217;re not going to lose time fighting with each other and have two Ferraris breathing down our neck\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So, it would have been the other way around exactly the same. It plays no role who is ahead in the championship or not, it&#8217;s just about protecting the best possible positions.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-field-keywords block-layout-builder\">\n<h2>Tags:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Mercedes<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Andrea Kimi Antonelli<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">George Russell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3> Previous <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> &#8216;Not a Verstappen and Ricciardo&#8217; &#8211; Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon react to Dutch GP clash <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <span>Article<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_plain\">\n<div class=\"content\"> &#8216;Not always the plan&#8217; &#8211; Fernando Alonso hails reactive Aston Martin after Dutch GP points <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-e1d765888d664fdf8dd42fb4d9ccf9553d849a99d27986f8c7caee84adee98c1\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>Related Articles<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-71e6fecba739f72dd204a9cb54e723256d1b1721b2f88ef4d11237505d89c597\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Mercedes boss makes shocking revelation about F1 title battle<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431409_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Toto Wolff says Mercedes cannot afford to upgrade its car \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2018Tough calls need to be done\u2019 &#8211; 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behind FIA hearing into Monaco penalty decisions<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787645029\"> 4h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1430700_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1430700_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1430700_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Ferrari \u2018scared\u2019 to tell Hamilton and Leclerc what to do after strategy gaffe <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787586659\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1420857_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1420857_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1420857_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 boss &#8216;couldn&#8217;t see F1 without&#8217; Max Verstappen following fresh Red Bull deal<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787584740\"> 21h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431277_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431277_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431277_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;We were always going to invert&#8217; &#8211; George Russell&#8217;s response to assertive Mercedes team orders<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787581740\"> 22h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431148_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431148_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431148_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Hollywood icon poses with Lewis Hamilton as he visits Kim Kardashian<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1787572680\"> 24\/08\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429936_hires.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 270w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429936_hires.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 180w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1429936_hires.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=1:1 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Nico Rosberg has weighed in on Mercedes&#8217; decision to use team orders at Zandvoort.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Rosberg has weighed in on the Mercedes Formula 1 team\u2019s decision to use team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>George Russell was told to give up second place to his team-mate &#8211; and direct title rival &#8211; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who had sacrificed track position under a virtual safety car by pitting for fresh tyres in a last-ditch attempt to challenge McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris for the win.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli soon caught Russell and Mercedes asked the Briton to move aside so that he did not hold up his faster team-mate given the difficulty of overtaking at Zandvoort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russell initially questioned the call, expressing his concerns about being vulnerable to the Ferraris on fresh tyres behind, but ultimately followed the order, before successfully fending off Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to complete the podium.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell waved Antonelli past<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The use of team orders was considered harsh by some given it cost Russell three points in the world championship and has seen him drop 59 points adrift of points leader Antonelli.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But Rosberg defended the Brackley outfit\u2019s pitwall decision when speaking during Sky Sports F1\u2019s coverage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The team is under threat, and the two drivers have to drive for the team. In my time also, I had to let Lewis past once in Monaco, even though we were fighting for the championship against each other,\u201d the 2016 world champion said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Here it&#8217;s the same situation, the team result was under threat by the two Ferraris behind, so you have to apply team orders, and they have to follow them, and I think it was fair play. George did a fantastic job to hold on to that third place.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-205217fa397090cdecb729334bd6e820dfcd2114b4f7f8e46ef16804cd29bc7d\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;We were always going to invert&#8217; &#8211; George Russell&#8217;s response to assertive Mercedes team orders<\/li>\n<li>Kimi Antonelli doubles down on Mercedes\u2019 McLaren F1 title fears <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rosberg added: \u201cThe expectation at the time was that George was really going to struggle with pace and that the\u00a0Ferraris would therefore threaten not only his position but also Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s position if Kimi was stuck behind George.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Rosberg won the 2016 F1 title with Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;So it really risks both positions at the same time. It&#8217;s a tough one, it&#8217;s really a horrible decision to make. I would not want to be in their position. And if I was in George&#8217;s place, it would hurt so much. It would be a disaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But it&#8217;s somewhat understandable because I do know the team rules very precisely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After the race, Russell conceded that Mercedes ultimately made the right decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Kimi was ahead of me anyway, so he deserved to finish ahead. Of course, when you&#8217;re in the race, you want to fight for every single position,&#8221; Russell said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also defended the call, telling Sky Sports F1: &#8220;We had a free stop with Kimi &#8211; a team internal free stop &#8211; and George was incredibly at the end fighting and also fending off the Ferraris, who were on a much quicker car. Was really, really exceptional.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That [the decision] looks difficult on the outside but not on the inside. It&#8217;s a situation we discussed very often, also today in the morning &#8216;we&#8217;re not going to lose time fighting with each other and have two Ferraris breathing down our neck\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So, it would have been the other way around exactly the same. It plays no role who is ahead in the championship or not, it&#8217;s just about protecting the best possible positions.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Nico Rosberg has weighed in on the Mercedes Formula 1 team\u2019s decision to use team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>George Russell was told to give up second place to his team-mate &#8211; and direct title rival &#8211; Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who had sacrificed track position under a virtual safety car by pitting for fresh tyres in a last-ditch attempt to challenge McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris for the win.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Antonelli soon caught Russell and Mercedes asked the Briton to move aside so that he did not hold up his faster team-mate given the difficulty of overtaking at Zandvoort.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Russell initially questioned the call, expressing his concerns about being vulnerable to the Ferraris on fresh tyres behind, but ultimately followed the order, before successfully fending off Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to complete the podium.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/m622603_f1_grand_prix_of_netherlands.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Russell waved Antonelli past<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The use of team orders was considered harsh by some given it cost Russell three points in the world championship and has seen him drop 59 points adrift of points leader Antonelli.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But Rosberg defended the Brackley outfit\u2019s pitwall decision when speaking during Sky Sports F1\u2019s coverage.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The team is under threat, and the two drivers have to drive for the team. In my time also, I had to let Lewis past once in Monaco, even though we were fighting for the championship against each other,\u201d the 2016 world champion said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Here it&#8217;s the same situation, the team result was under threat by the two Ferraris behind, so you have to apply team orders, and they have to follow them, and I think it was fair play. George did a fantastic job to hold on to that third place.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read Also<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-205217fa397090cdecb729334bd6e820dfcd2114b4f7f8e46ef16804cd29bc7d\">\n<div class=\"item-list\">\n<ul>\n<li>&#8216;We were always going to invert&#8217; &#8211; George Russell&#8217;s response to assertive Mercedes team orders<\/li>\n<li>Kimi Antonelli doubles down on Mercedes\u2019 McLaren F1 title fears <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rosberg added: \u201cThe expectation at the time was that George was really going to struggle with pace and that the\u00a0Ferraris would therefore threaten not only his position but also Kimi Antonelli&#8217;s position if Kimi was stuck behind George.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-07\/xpb_1336476_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Rosberg won the 2016 F1 title with Mercedes<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;So it really risks both positions at the same time. It&#8217;s a tough one, it&#8217;s really a horrible decision to make. I would not want to be in their position. And if I was in George&#8217;s place, it would hurt so much. It would be a disaster.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;But it&#8217;s somewhat understandable because I do know the team rules very precisely.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After the race, Russell conceded that Mercedes ultimately made the right decision.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Kimi was ahead of me anyway, so he deserved to finish ahead. Of course, when you&#8217;re in the race, you want to fight for every single position,&#8221; Russell said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Mercedes boss Toto Wolff also defended the call, telling Sky Sports F1: &#8220;We had a free stop with Kimi &#8211; a team internal free stop &#8211; and George was incredibly at the end fighting and also fending off the Ferraris, who were on a much quicker car. Was really, really exceptional.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That [the decision] looks difficult on the outside but not on the inside. It&#8217;s a situation we discussed very often, also today in the morning &#8216;we&#8217;re not going to lose time fighting with each other and have two Ferraris breathing down our neck\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So, it would have been the other way around exactly the same. It plays no role who is ahead in the championship or not, it&#8217;s just about protecting the best possible positions.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-campaign-monitor\">\n<h2>Sign up for the Crash F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1102971\/1\/nico-rosberg-drops-verdict-mercedes-dutch-gp-f1-team-orders&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.crash.net\/sites\/default\/files\/2026-08\/xpb_1431704_hires_0.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Nico Rosberg drops verdict on Mercedes\u2019 Dutch GP F1 team orders Nico Rosberg has weighed in on Mercedes&#8217; decision to use team orders at Zandvoort. Lewis Larkam 24 Aug 2026 Share It was all smiles at the end between Antonelli and Russell Prefer Crash.Net on Google See our stories more often Add [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-2110657","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2110657"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2110657\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2110657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2110657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2110657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}