Lewis Hamilton was victorious in the Italian Grand Prix and theorists are speculating that German manufacturers Mercedes rigged the race.
Former World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart joined fans on social media to determine whether Nico Rosberg drove off the track on purpose to let Hamilton through to make up for the crash he caused at their race in Belgium two weeks ago.
Stewart said: ‘I thought, “hello, what’s going on here?’ ‘He could have at least made an effort to get round the corner but he didn’t.’
Rosberg and Mercedes management have flatly denied the claims, and majority believe that the driver wouldn’t have given up his lead that easily.
He said: ‘I just messed up. What would be the reason for me to do something like that deliberately? There is no possible reason.
‘If you’re ordered by the team to do it then you would do it, but there is no reason why the team would ask me to change position, or something like that.
‘The only thing in people’s minds could be Spa, but Spa was a mistake I’ve apologised for. It’s not like we are now starting to shuffle our cars.’
Hamilton’s latest victory since July takes him to within 22 points of the championship’s leader Rosberg, who was booed by British fans after coming second in the race.
The two Mercedes drivers stayed apart in the ante-room prior to the presentations. Rosberg spoke to third-placed Felipe Massa in Italian, while Hamilton sat quietly.
Jean Alesi, conducting the podium interviews, asked Hamilton if he and Rosberg are now friends. As he answered unconvincingly, the Briton put his arm around Rosberg, who looked uncomfortable as his rival did so.
But Hamilton, who had to come from behind after a technical problem at the start, agreed the race was not rigged, saying of the decisive moment in the race: ‘It was the best time to put pressure on him. I did it a couple of races ago and he doesn’t seem to like it, so I’ll try it a bit more.
‘We’ve got a long way to go, but one step at a time. The support I’ve had from the fans and family has been incredible. I’m going to take that energy and try and move forwards. I’m just going to take it as it comes.’