Mercedes tightens the screw on Rosberg and Hamilton

Mercedes held an internal meeting this Thursday July 7 in its Brackley factory (Great Britain) to discuss the accident between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton at the Austrian Grand Prix contested on July 3 on the Red Bull Ring to Spielberg and draw decisions from it in order to prevent further incidents between the two pilots this season.

The holders were present as well as Toto wolff, the executive director of Mercedes Motorsport, and Paddy Lowe, the technical director of Mercedes F1.

“Our drivers were informed that they still had the right to fight for the world title, indicates the press release from the starred manufacturer. We believe this is the essence of F1, including between teammates. As enthusiasts, we, like the public, want to see them race. »

Mercedes nevertheless warned its drivers that the situation could evolve if other incidents were to occur.

“This freedom requires drivers to respect the values ​​of the team. In the last five races, there have been three incidents which cost more than 50 points in the Manufacturers' Championship (notably with the double retirement at the Spanish Grand Prix on May 15 at the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona). »

“We have therefore strengthened the “rules of engagement” to avoid contact between our cars. With this, we trust our drivers to manage the situation on track. Their destiny is in their hands. »

“We also reminded the drivers that we can give them instructions during the race to avoid a potential loss of points in the Constructors' Championship, as we did this year in Monaco when we asked Nico to let Lewis pass. If pilots do not respect "the rules of engagement", we could impose team orders as a last resort. »

Mercedes F1 is 103 points ahead of the Team Ferrari after nine Grands Prix.

Discover the analysis of the Austrian Grand Prix carried out by our special correspondents in issue 2070 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.