Nico Rosberg berates ‘unacceptable’ Aston Martin penalty mistake

Nico Rosberg expressed his vehement discontent with the penalty that was erroneously issued to Aston Martin in the Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday, deeming it “unacceptable”.

The incident transpired when a mechanic on the Aston Martin team, who was affixing the front wing to the car, was adjudged to have been in an unsafe position when the five-second signal was given. As a result, Aston Martin was penalized by the stewards, forcing them to surrender their third-place podium finish.

The former Formula 1 World Champion was incensed by the blunder, taking to social media to air his grievances.

“It’s unacceptable that Aston Martin could be given a penalty that was so wrong and so unfair”, he tweeted. “It’s a disgrace for the sport and I’m sure the stewards will review their decision and correct it as soon as possible.”

The stewards have since conceded that the call was incorrect and have indicated that the penalty would be rescinded.

Rosberg, who is an ardent advocate for the sport, was relieved that the stewards have taken the necessary steps to rectify the incident, though he remains adamant that such a mistake ought not to have been made in the first place.

“It’s great that the stewards have acknowledged the mistake and are reversing the penalty,” he said. “It’s essential that these technical regulations are applied fairly and accurately and that this kind of incident does not occur again.”

The former F1 driver’s vehement protests have been met with a chorus of support from the motorsport community, who were quick to recognize the severity of the situation.

Rosberg, who is a passionate supporter of F1, will be hoping that the sport’s governing body learn from this mistake, and ensure that mistakes of this magnitude do not occur in the future.