WATCH: Throwback to Nico Rosberg's furious 'CapGate' reaction to Lewis Hamilton in US Grand Prix

As the 2024 United States Grand Prix approaches, Formula 1 fans can’t help but reminisce about one of the more infamous and heated moments in the sport’s recent history – the ‘CapGate’ incident of 2015. The post-race drama between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg made headlines and highlighted the bubbling tension within the team.

The 2015 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, saw a thrilling battle between the Mercedes drivers. Nico Rosberg, who started from pole position, was determined to convert his front-row start into a victory. However, an aggressive move by Lewis Hamilton on the very first lap forced Rosberg off the track. The German had to concede the lead to his teammate, an incident that set the tone for the remainder of the race.

Rosberg, in a determined fightback, managed to recover some ground. Despite losing positions initially, his strong driving put him back in contention. For a brief period, he even managed to reclaim the lead, reigniting hopes of a win. But Hamilton was relentless, and with a decisive overtake, he secured the lead once more and held onto it until the checkered flag.

What had happened in the cooldown room?

While Lewis Hamilton celebrated his victory, Rosberg's frustration was evident. The climax of the tension came during the podium ceremony preparation. As the drivers collected their caps for the post-race celebrations, Hamilton casually tossed the second-place cap toward Rosberg. The German, still fuming from his teammate’s on-track aggression and his disappointment, angrily threw the cap back at Hamilton.

Here is the video:

Those 2015 #USGP vibes were so 🔥😆 The cap throwing at the end still sends me 🤣🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/YoHgL2sMmh

— Hamilton Insights (@LH44_insights) October 18, 2023

This seemingly trivial exchange of caps captured the deeper strain between the two drivers. The Mercedes teammates, despite dominating the sport at the time, were locked in a fierce rivalry that went beyond racing. Rosberg’s frustration was palpable, and ‘CapGate’ became one of the most iconic symbols of the tense relationship between the two.

As we look ahead to the 2024 US Grand Prix, this moment reminds us of the intensity and emotion that racing can bring out in even the most composed athletes. While both drivers have since moved on from those heated days, ‘CapGate’ remains a defining moment in the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry.