Dueling Mercedes F1 drivers get green light to race for world championship title
Mercedes have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg 'remain free to race for the World Championship' despite their final lap collision at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The team-mates' last-gasp crash in Spielberg last Sunday was described as 'brainless' by team boss Toto Wolff, who threatened to impose team orders in time for this weekend's British Grand Prix.
Hamilton said he 'hoped and prayed' that would not be the case, as any such decision would 'rob' the fans and the three-time world champion has got his wish.
The threat has been with withdrawn following a meeting between Wolff, both drivers and executive director Paddy Lowe at the team's Brackley headquarters last night.
"Our drivers were informed that they remain free to race for the World Championship," read a Mercedes statement.
Lewis Hamilton leads Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. Picture/AP
"We believe this is the essence of Formula One, including between team-mates. As passionate racers, we want to see them racing, and so do the fans.'
"However, this freedom comes with a duty for our drivers to respect the values of the team."
Hamilton and Rosberg have made contact with each other on three occasions in the last five races.
A first lap smash in Barcelona was followed by opening lap contact in Montreal and Spielberg's late drama.
Rosberg drove into Hamilton, damaging his front wing and limping home in fourth. The Briton took the win to reduce the German's championship lead to 11 points.
The team say they have now introduced 'greater deterrents' to avoid another repeat and refused to rule out introducing team orders in the future.
"In the past five races, there have been three incidents which have cost us over 50 points in the Constructors' Champonship.' said the statement.
"We have therefore strengthened our Rules of Engagement to include much greater deterrents to contact between our cars.
"If the drivers do not honour the revised Rules of Engagement, we may impose team orders as a solution of last resort.'
The threat has been with withdrawn following a meeting between Wolff, both drivers and executive director Paddy Lowe at the team's Brackley headquarters this morning.
Lewis Hamilton waves to the crowd after receiving an award at the Silverstone circuit, venue of this weekend's British Grand Prix. Picture/AP
"Our drivers were informed that they remain free to race for the World Championship," read a Mercedes statement.
"We believe this is the essence of Formula One, including between team-mates. As passionate racers, we want to see them racing, and so do the fans.
"However, this freedom comes with a duty for our drivers to respect the values of the team."
Hamilton and Rosberg have made contact with each other on three occasions in the last five races.
A first lap smash in Barcelona was followed by opening lap contact in Montreal and Spielberg's late drama.
Rosberg drove into Hamilton, damaging his front wing and limping home in fourth.
The Briton took the win to reduce the German's championship lead to 11 points.
-Daily Mail