Driver tensions could prompt Mercedes to change lineup

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have been warned that any future escalation of the pair's tensions could lead to either one being showed the door by Mercedes.

Team boss Toto Wolff's vigilance has been growing following another successful season by the German manufacturer, but one which has seen tensions between its stalwarts gradually increase as their fierce championship battle played out.

"The difficult relationship of the drivers is one of our weaknesses," Wolff admitted to Motorsport.com.

"We took the decision of having two evenly matched drivers in order to make the team progress faster and better. It was a very conscious decision three years ago.

"Going forward, we will consider if it is the best set-up for the team. Personality and character within the team is a crucial ingredient for the team success.

"If we feel that it is not aligned with the general consensus, spirit and philosophy within the team, we might consider that when we take a decision, in terms of the driver line-up going forward."

Last summer, Lewis Hamilton extended his Mercedes contract until 2018 while Rosberg's own allegiance to Mercedes ends at the end of 2016.

Hamilton himself admitted after Abu Dhabi that he could not see any appeasement in the pair's strained relationship as long as they remain in the same team.

"There is lots going on behind closed doors," Wolff added. "I feel that the team is stronger than ever. We are having huge unity within the team, but the difficult relationship of the drivers is one of our weaknesses. And that is not good.

"If I were to analyse what are the biggest strengths and the biggest weakness of the team, I would say the biggest strength is the quality and the characters of the personalities within the team.

"The biggest weakness is the dynamic of the relationship between the drivers - and sometimes between the drivers and the team."

Post-race press conferences, in spite of Mercedes' drivers achievements, have rarely been a joyous affair, with one driver often on the receiving end of the other's impassivity or indifference.

"We struggle sometimes in winning races on Sunday and having always one driver] upset," Wolff concluded. "And this spills over into the team. It is something that needs to stop."

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