Rosberg says his car was a handful

The rookie driver was the only finisher who failed to score any points after coming home in ninth place, despite running in eighth in the latter stages.

Rosberg, who had started from the back of the grid, benefited from the first corner mayhem to climb up the field, but then struggled to keep a competitive pace.

"It's a disappointing result because I had such a good start and was up to eighth place after the first lap accidents, but the car was a real handful, making it difficult to keep it on the track and not make any mistakes," said Rosberg.

"Apart from affecting our pace, it made the race really physically demanding as it was already very hot out there - I gave everything I had, so it's a real shame not to earn any points.

"Looking to the next race at Magny Cours, I am confident because I know the track well, so I hope we have a better weekend there."

Teammate Mark Webber was one of several drivers involved in the first corner accident, the Australian retiring immediately.

"My start was reasonable and I got a slipstream behind Speed but there was someone really slow in the middle of the track and I was just minding my own business on the brakes turning in and the next minute I got harpooned by somebody on the right rear," he said.

"I got launched into the air and I thought I was going to roll. Thankfully I didn't, but the damage to the car stopped me from continuing."

Williams have now gone five races without scoring a point, their worst streak since 1984.