When Niki Lauda’s brutal truth infuriated Lewis Hamilton at the 2016 Spanish GP that gifted Max Verstappen his maiden F1 victory

Back in the day, former three-time world champion Niki Lauda did not mince his words while criticizing Lewis Hamilton for his involvement in the 2016 Spanish GP crash with his then-Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. The fierce rivalry between the Mercedes duo was at its peak during the 2016 season, as both drivers were unrelenting to give any inch on track.

Rosberg started the race in Barcelona in P2, behind Hamilton, but made a better start and passed him heading into Turn 1. However, the British driver caught up with him in Turn 3, after the German suddenly lost some power.

Hamilton, sensing his chance, went on the inside in Turn 4 to reclaim the lead but was blocked and eventually crashed into his teammate, handing the win to Max Verstappen, who was making his Red Bull debut.

The double DNF left everyone at the team fuming, with then-Mercedes advisor Niki Lauda criticizing Lewis Hamilton move. During his interview with Graham Bensinger, the Austrian criticized the then-three-time world champion and said:

"I said right away straightforward what is my opinion and I said if I have to choose between the two it's more Lewis's fault than Nico's fault and Lewis did not appreciate that because it was in a different opinion."

"Then what did he say he said why do you criticize me? Excuse me. I cannot accept that you guys crash and then we have nothing and nobody's fault it is for the media is be somebody's fault and then Lewis really got upset."

---

Former world champion agrees with Niki Lauda

Former world champion Jackie Stewart agreed with Niki Lauda and stated that Lewis Hamilton was to be blamed for his collision with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during the 2016 Spanish GP.

As per the Guardian, the three-time world champion labeled Hamilton's attempt to reclaim the lead of the race as 'desperation'. He said:

“It was all emotion. First lap! Desperation. That’s not the way to win, not consistently. Hamilton is to blame. Rosberg was allowed to protect himself. You don’t go for it on the first lap. Two cars from the same team can’t possibly have an accident on the first lap.

"One of the major assets for all of the great drivers has been mind management. Don’t get wound up and excited. I think Lewis could have won this race but it didn’t have to be on the first lap. The accident was almost ready to take place,” he added.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg's crash proved to be a turning point in their 2016 championship battle, as it marked the end of the German driver's four consecutive victories and overall seven-race winning streak.