The €720,000 Crash: Rosberg Reveals He and Hamilton Paid for 2016 Collision

Nico Rosberg has disclosed the hefty price tag of his infamous first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. The crash, which took both Mercedes drivers out of the race, resulted in €720,000 in damages. As per a specific clause in their contracts, both drivers were personally responsible for splitting the repair bill 50/50.

Why it matters:

This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the extreme financial pressures and internal management tactics at the pinnacle of motorsport. It shows how top teams like Mercedes attempt to police fierce rivalries by directly tying on-track incidents to drivers' own finances, adding a significant monetary risk to every wheel-to-wheel battle.

The details:

• The Bill: Rosberg confirmed he personally paid €360,000 following the crash, with Hamilton covering the other half. The 2016 World Champion described the payment simply as "painful."
• The Incident: The collision occurred on Lap 1 at Turn 4 in Barcelona. After Rosberg seized the lead at the start, Hamilton attempted a counter-attack on the outside. Rosberg defended the inside line, forcing Hamilton onto the grass where he lost control and slammed into his teammate.
• The Consequence: Both Mercedes cars retired in the gravel trap, marking the team's first double DNF of its dominant 2016 season. The incident famously cleared the way for an 18-year-old Max Verstappen to take a sensational debut victory with Red Bull Racing.

The big picture:

The 2016 season was the climax of one of F1's most intense modern rivalries, defined by marginal gains and immense pressure. While Rosberg narrowly clinched the title that year and immediately retired, Hamilton has since gone on to win four more championships. This financial detail adds a new layer to their famously fierce on-track battles, highlighting the immense stakes involved both professionally and personally.