Italian Grand Prix: Mercedes could be forced to split Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, warns Toto Wolff

Mercedes' motorsport boss warns pair that they are putting their future in jeopardy if they continue on-track collisions like that seen at Spa

Agency
Friday 05 September 2014 03:37 EDT
Comments
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamtilon at the Thursday drivers' press conference, along with Fernando Alonso
Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamtilon at the Thursday drivers' press conference, along with Fernando Alonso (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has warned Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg that their futures at the team could be at risk if they cannot race against each other in the right manner.

The duo faced the press on Thursday and it seemed an uneasy truce had been struck following their collision at Spa two weeks ago which wrecked Hamilton's race and led to his German team-mate issuing an apology.

Hamilton suffered a puncture to his left rear tyre on the second lap in Belgium after a collision with Rosberg's right-wing endplate.

That prompted the team to take "suitable disciplinary measures" against Rosberg, who leads Hamilton by 29 points in the world championship race, but it was just the latest in a long line of improprieties perpetrated by both men over the course of the campaign.

It now remains to be seen whether they can keep it clean between themselves over the final seven races but Wolff has made it quite clear that any further indiscretions could have long-term repercussions.

"We have made it very clear this is an unacceptable scenario for us, actually for both of them," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We don't want this to happen ever again and the consequences are very easy.

"If we are not able to manage the two of them following the Mercedes Benz racing spirit then we need to admit that and take decisions and take consequences of having a different line-up probably."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in