Mercedes slam conspiracy talk

The Mercedes Formula One team published an open letter to fans on Wednesday to counter speculation on social media following the Russian Grand Prix that they favour Nico Rosberg over team mate Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton, the defending F1 champion, has endured a miserable start to the season and trails Rosberg by 43 points after four races — all of them won by Rosberg, last year’s runner-up.

While Rosberg has driven smoothly as he chases his first world title, Hamilton has been beset by engine problems and the British driver also had to slow down late in Sunday’s Russian GP with a water pressure issue — just as he was closing to within seven seconds of race-leader Rosberg.

Without responding directly to allegations of favouritism, Mercedes still took the trouble to underline that team staff members are not working more “for one driver or the other.”

Mercedes then concluded the letter with a defiant tone to any who suggest wrongdoing.

“To those who stand with us, we thank you. And to the rest — the haters, the naysayers, the conspirators — if we can convince even half of you of what we really stand for, we’ll consider that a battle well won,” Mercedes said.