Force India's Szafnauer: 'Drivers won't be racing anymore'

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Force India's Otmar Szafnauer says the team likely won't be letting its drivers race in the future after Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon clashed again at the Belgian GP.

There has been no love lost between the Mexican and the Frenchman following a series of clashes this season. The two men fought it out in Montreal and made contact in Baku, the latter encounter ending Sergio Perez's race.

While Force India addressed a stern warning to both drivers and reminded them of the golden rule which precludes team mates from colliding, the team preserved their freedom to race each other.

Predictably, both drivers were right with each other for most of Sunday afternoon at Spa. Initially, the pair made contact shortly after the start on the run-down towards Eau Rouge with Perez squeezing Ocon against the old pit wall, fortunately with no consequences.

But on lap 30, in a repeat of the move seen earlier, Perez once again attempted to force his team mate to back off on the run-down to Eau Rouge, but contact ensued, with Ocon's front left hitting Perez's rear right wheel.

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The Frenchman lost part of his front wing while Perez suffered a puncture. The Safety Car was subsequently called out to clear the debris.

Ultimately, Ocon salvaged a P9 finish but his team mate was forced to retire.

An unimpressed Szafnauer now says the team will likely take matters into its own hands.

"In the future they'll never have that opportunity again," the Force India manager told Sky, referring to his drivers ability to fight each other.

"We let them race up to now, if they can't do it in a manner which is good for the team, then they won't be racing anymore.

"They shouldn't be coming together. We've given them the latitude to race. Once it gets to the point of safety margins and crashing into each other, we've got to take into our hands."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.