Any further on-track blunders between Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen could prompt Red Bull to impose team orders on its drivers says Helmut Marko.
The energy drink company's motorsport boss made clear in unequivocal terms that the pair's run-in last Sunday was unacceptable. If repeated, measures will likely be enforced, but in the interim the bulls keep their freedom.
"At the next collision, we will have to do a team order, although we are actually against it," Marko told Germany's Bild.
While Max Verstappen has been singled out by most pundits as the man at fault, Marko said the Dutchman's hard racing approach is just part of the package.
"We got Max because of his speed and his aggressiveness. Then you have to live with the fact that sometimes sparks fly," he said.
Speaking to Servus TV, Verstappen insisted he was not at odds with team mate Daniel Ricciardo and that the pair's good relationship remains intact.
"We talked immediately after the crash and I cannot imagine it will change our good relationship," said the 20-year-old.
"It was not the first time we have fought, and with one exception everything always went smoothly. Our fight before the accident was tough but always fair," Verstappen added.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…
It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…
Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…
Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…
Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…
Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…