JULY 9, 2014

Rosberg hits back at Hamilton's German attack

Nico Rosberg has hit back at his teammate Lewis Hamilton, after the Briton said next weekend's German grand prix is "not really his home race".

F1 now heads from Hamilton's home turf at Silverstone to Hockenheim, where German-born Rosberg might expect similar levels of local support.

Not so, Hamilton told reporters, because Germany is "not really his home race" as Rosberg has a Finnish father and he grew up and still lives in Monaco.

"What a stupid and unnecessary attack by Hamilton," said the major German daily Bild.

Also in reaction, Sport Bild published a huge colour photograph of Rosberg's face decorated with painted German flags.

On Facebook, meanwhile, big football fan Rosberg celebrated Germany's 7-1 win over Brazil in the world cup semi-final by posting a photo of himself in a room littered with Germany-themed flags and memorabilia.

And when asked about Hamilton's comments after testing at Silverstone on Tuesday, Rosberg said: "Anyone can judge however they want.

"What do you want me to say?"

He admitted he might not be as German as Hamilton is British "because I didn't grow up in Germany, but I consider myself 100 per cent German."

(GMM)