The former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg had called his former rival and teammate Lewis Hamilton ‘soft’ when he failed to defend Max Verstappen’s race-winning overtake. Red Bull and Verstappen outsmarted the Mercedes and Hamilton with their strategy.

Hamilton was on a one-stopper but could not stop charging Max, who was on a two-stopper, which proved to be the faster strategy. Rosberg, who was doing punditry with Sky, called the defense of Hamilton ‘soft’ as he did not hold off Verstappen on the penultimate lap of the race.

Hamilton has responded to his former rivals’ comments. He said that defending the move would have been pointless, as he did not have the pace to keep Max behind.

Watch Story: Ugliest Moments in Hamilton-Rosberg Rivalry

Lewis Hamilton is the best one-to-one racer, and I am surprised he didn’t try: Rosberg

According to GPfans.com, Nico Rosberg was a bit surprised that Hamilton did not close the damn door on Verstappen when he passed the 7-time world champion.

“[It was] unusual from Lewis,” remarked Rosberg. “Close the damn door! No? Usually, Lewis is the best one-to-one racer, and I am surprised he didn’t try. At least try. Brake late, try to keep him on the outside, so a bit soft from Lewis somehow.”

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Hamilton responded to Rosberg’s claims, “Firstly, there are marbles on the inside, so I didn’t want to make my tires any worse than they already were. He had the DRS open, so if he didn’t pass me there, he would have passed me on the straight afterward, so it would have made zero difference and I just had no front end, so he would have got me either way.”

Hamilton further explained,” It was pointless to defend any harder. You saw what happened to Valtteri [Bottas] – just ended up going straight on – so, there was no point messing up the tires anymore.” said Hamilton.

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Lewis and Mercedes searching for answers after French GP

Mercedes is having a tough time right now as Red Bull has won three consecutive races. Red Bull has extended their lead in the constructor’s championship and Max has also extended his lead from Hamilton.

Mercedes got outsmarted by Red Bull on strategy and passed on the circuit by both Red Bull drivers. Hamilton and Mercedes will look for some answers before the Styrian Grand Prix.

What do you think? Will Lewis bounce back at Austria? Comment below to let us know.