Mercedes boss clarifies 'worst case'

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says his threat that Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton risked losing their jobs was a "very worst case" scenario.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff has clarified his statement that Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton risked losing their jobs if they continued to fight in an "inappropriate" manner.

Asked to explain his views on how to handle the two title-fighting drivers, he said he did not believe their relationship would be bad enough to warrant such drastic action.

"Obviously at this stage, we are very happy with the line-up, with the two drivers," he explained on Friday.

"We have always said that. We trust them, and we had a very good discussion with the two of them, a very clear discussion.

"We've always said that this [collision] shouldn't happen. I think at that stage of the season it was important to re-emphasise that. My statement about what would if we couldn't get on top of it? This is a very, very worst case.

"I don't think we will ever get to that."

Rosberg crashed into Hamilton on the second lap of the Belgian Grand Prix two weeks ago, causing a puncture for the Briton which forced him to retire from the race and allowed the German to open up a 29-points lead in the championship.

Rosberg has been punished by the team for his part in the collision and he later accepted responsibility and apologised.


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