Lewis Hamilton baffled by technology as Rosberg wins in Baku

New rules preventing engineers from advising drivers ruin driver's chances of a podium finish at the European Grand Prix

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Lewis Hamilton struggles to fifth place in Baku
(Image credit: Andrej Isakovic/AFP)

Formula 1's Byzantine new rules governing radio conversations between engineers and drivers were centre stage at a European Grand Prix east of Istanbul when Nico Rosberg reasserted his authority in the drivers' championship with a victory in Baku that left his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton flummoxed by his car's engine settings.

Engineers can no longer give drivers instructions over the radio so when Hamilton encountered power problems there was nothing his team could do, during a race that defied expectations of crashes galore to deliver a dull procession.

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