'Rules of engagement between drivers will remain,' says Wolff

40

While Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is hoping flash points between Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will remain at a minimum, rules of engagement shall persist.

In light of last season's heated on-track confrontations between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, Mercedes is keen to apply deterrents this year while letting its drivers the freedom to race.

"That is an internal paper that has grown over the years, with experience", Wolff said at the team's launch today, referring to Mercedes' rules of engagement.

"Still, when you look at Abu Dhabi it proved to have blank spots. So it's something you want to continue to do and develop for the benefit of the team, the drivers and the spectators.

"The basic concept will stay in place, we are maybe going to call it differently and trim it a little bit, add the bits that were missing, but not make it a complex regulation."

Hamilton focused on Red Bull 'downforce' threat

While drivers will remain under tight scrutiny and while an intense rivalry is expected between its chargers, Wolff admitted it could be a very different state of affairs at Mercedes compared to last season's contentious relationship, especially if the German manufacturer sees its dominance greatly reduced.

"We have to see how the season gets started anyway, it might be completely different in terms of the dynamics between the drivers and the dynamic with other teams. But the basic concept stays, yes."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.