Mercedes Formula One boss Toto Wolff is still pondering how to deal with Lewis Hamilton's driving tactics in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but has accepted it was something the three-time world champion needed to do.
Wolff had warned after the race on Sunday of potential "anarchy" and possible disciplinary action after Hamilton ignored clear instructions as he battled with team mate Nico Rosberg for the title.
"I have not made up my mind. I can understand why he drove the way he drove, it was his instinct," Wolff told a news conference on Tuesday.
"He needed to do it. Our system has made them win many races, but has also created that air of dominance ... but again, let's discuss at a later stage."
Hamilton, who won the race in Abu Dhabi but lost his title to Rosberg, slowed the pace deliberately in a bid to back his teammate into a position where rivals could overtake the German, who only needed to finish on the podium.
Wolff said the move openly undermined the structure of the team for whom Hamilton secured 10 race victories and 12 pole positions this season.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel described Hamilton's tactics as "dirty tricks" while Rosberg said his teammate's driving made for a difficult race, but felt the situation was too hypothetical to merit further discussion.
"It's about the world championship so he decided to try everything out there. So in a way it is understandable even though it was very very tough as a result," the German said.
Share
