Nico Rosberg demoted to third in British Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg has dropped from second position to third in the British Grand Prix having been hit with a 10-second time penalty after being deemed to have received illegal assistance via team radio, but Mercedes are set to appeal.

Championship leader Rosberg finished behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone on Sunday, holding off Max Verstappen's Red Bull despite experiencing gearbox problems in the latter stages.

The German received radio instructions from Mercedes to help combat the issue, but race stewards ruled the team contravened the Formula One regulations in doing so.

A statement from the race stewards read: "Having considered the matter extensively, the stewards determined that the team gave some instructions to the driver that were specifically permitted under Technical Directive 014-16.

"However, the stewards determined that the team then went further and gave instructions to the driver that were not permitted under the Technical Directive, and were in breach of article 27.1 of the Sporting Regulations, that the driver must drive the car alone and unaided."

Rosberg's lead over Hamilton in the drivers' standings was initially cut to four points, but his demotion to third position means he now holds just a one-point advantage.

Following the decision, a Mercedes spokesperson confirmed to Omnisport that the team have lodged notice of their intention to appeal.