Mercedes F1 stars made to pay for crashes: Rosberg reveals truth

Nico Rosberg has disclosed that Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, mandated drivers pay for damages resulting from crashes between teammates. Following their collision at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, Wolff introduced a contract requiring both Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton to split the cost of any future accidents. Rosberg revealed he personally paid $360,000 for his share of damage from one incident, a measure that effectively curbed their aggressive on-track battles.

During his time at Mercedes, the intense competition for world championships created a breakdown in the relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton. Rosberg described their dynamic as a "proper war," admitting they had "no relationship" and did not speak to each other. While they were friends in their youth, the pursuit of the Formula 1 world championship ultimately compromised their camaraderie.