European GP: Rosberg wins inaugural race in Baku | CNN

European Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg wins as radio silence frustrates Lewis Hamilton

2 minute read
Updated 7:48 AM EDT, Mon June 20, 2016
Lewis Hamilton (No. 44) could only finish fifth at Sunday's European Grand Prix in Baku.
Lewis Hamilton (No. 44) could only finish fifth at Sunday's European Grand Prix in Baku.
AFP/Getty Images
His Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg led from start to finish to extend his championship lead to 24 points.
His Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg led from start to finish to extend his championship lead to 24 points.
AFP/Getty Images
A aerial view of the pit straight and pit lane at F1's newest track in Baku.
A aerial view of the pit straight and pit lane at F1's newest track in Baku.
AFP/Getty Images
The circuit ran through the streets of the Azerbaijan capital with spectacular views of the iconic "Flame Towers."
The circuit ran through the streets of the Azerbaijan capital with spectacular views of the iconic "Flame Towers."
AFP/Getty Images
The 6-kilometer track -- the second longest of the 2016 season behind Spa -- snaked through the old city, running alongside the medieval walls of the castle.
The 6-kilometer track -- the second longest of the 2016 season behind Spa -- snaked through the old city, running alongside the medieval walls of the castle.
AFP/Getty Images
The track is home to the longest straight on the F1 calendar -- the 2.1-kilometer stretch saw drivers top speeds of 360 kph (224 mph).
The track is home to the longest straight on the F1 calendar -- the 2.1-kilometer stretch saw drivers top speeds of 360 kph (224 mph).
AFP/Getty Images
The track is also home to the tightest section of track in F1. At its narrowest point, the "Tower turn" (pictured) is just 7.5 meters wide.
The track is also home to the tightest section of track in F1. At its narrowest point, the "Tower turn" (pictured) is just 7.5 meters wide.
AFP/Getty Images
Trackside trees are an unusual sight on a Formula One track, which are traditionally held on purpose-built circuits.
Trackside trees are an unusual sight on a Formula One track, which are traditionally held on purpose-built circuits.
AFP/Getty Images
The city streets rang to the sound of Formula One cars from Friday to Sunday.
The city streets rang to the sound of Formula One cars from Friday to Sunday.
AFP/Getty Images
The street circuit was expected to cause problems for the drivers -- especially at the start (pictured) -- but there were no major incidents during the race.
The street circuit was expected to cause problems for the drivers -- especially at the start (pictured) -- but there were no major incidents during the race.
AFP/Getty Images
Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku spent five months preparing for three days of F1 action.
Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku spent five months preparing for three days of F1 action.
AFP/Getty Images
The track layout was designed by Hermann Tilke. The German architect spoke to CNN about his plans before the historic Baku race. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedition.cnn.com%2Fvideos%2Ftv%2F2016%2F06%2F16%2Ff1-baku-track-tilke.cnn">Watch here</a>
The track layout was designed by Hermann Tilke. The German architect spoke to CNN about his plans before the historic Baku race. Watch here
CNN
Spectacular Baku track hosts F1 race

Story highlights

Nico Rosberg wins inaugural race in Baku

Dominates from start off pole

Lewis Hamilton only fifth

Sebastian Vettel second for Ferrari

CNN  — 

Nico Rosberg turned the inaugural F1 race in Baku to a triumphant procession Sunday to extend his lead in the title race over frustrated Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

The German was never headed after taking the lead from pole and had a big cushion over Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in second place. Sergio Perez of Mexico took the final podium spot for Force India.

Hamilton, who endured a nightmare qualifying session Saturday to place 10th on the grid, had to settle for fifth place after suffering recurring technical problems during the 51-lap race.

Lewis Hamilton endured a struggle in Baku after starting from 10th on the grid.
Lewis Hamilton endured a struggle in Baku after starting from 10th on the grid.
ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Both Hamilton and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in fourth fell foul of the new 2016 rules which restrict the information that can be given to drivers over the team radio.

Read: Azerbaijan: From Eurovision to F1

Hamilton, who might have challenged for a podium spot, was told by his engineers that the settings on his car were wrong, but grew frustrated as they were unable to give him more information.

“This is ridiculous guys,” he said as he examined the buttons on his steering wheel at one point threatening to push them all.

“We wouldn’t advise you do that,” came the reply back.

After the race, Hamilton bemoaned these “silly rules” but said his team had work to do to sort out the technical glitches that have undermined his challenge.

Finn Raikkonen was in a similar predicament as he ceded third place to the late charging Perez, who, it is rumored in the paddock, could replace him at Ferrari next season.

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It was the 19th career victory for Rosberg and fifth of the season as he battles for his first F1 title.

He had come under pressure after reigning two-time champion Hamilton won the previous two rounds in Monaco and Montreal, but has reopened a 24-point gap in the standings.

“The weekend went perfectly. Thanks to Baku – the event has been awesome,” he said on the podium.

It was the first time that the new 3.7 km street circuit in the capital of Azerbaijan had hosted a race, being awarded the European Grand Prix.

Behind the front runners, Valtteri Bottas took sixth for Williams ahead of the disappointing Red Bull pair Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

Nico Hulkenberg in the second Force India and Brazil’s Felipe Massa in the second Williams completed the points scoring positions.