Share

Austrian GP: Massa speaks on Hamilton, Rosberg rivalry

London - Williams driver Felipe Massa has played down the furore surrounding the Mercedes drivers' latest crash, saying what happened at the Austrian GP was just a "racing incident".

Before Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg headed to Silverstone on Thursday, they started the day at Mercedes' nearby Brackley HQ for a stern meeting with boss Toto Wolff.

No team orders for now

It is believed Wolff will warn them of strict and clear consequences if they continue to tangle, although team orders have been avoided for now.

Team chairman Niki Lauda told Bild newspaper."We will present them with a new concept."

Marc Surer, a former F1 driver and now German-language TV pundit, said Mercedes has taken the right decision.

"Yes," he told Germany's Sky broadcaster.  "Many people say formula one is already boring because of Mercedes, so to introduce team orders would only have made it worse."

Damon Hill weighs in

1996 world champion Damon Hill agrees, declaring that if Mercedes had brought down team orders, the drivers would probably have ignored them anyway.

And "fans would rebel against the idea", he added.

Williams driver Massa, meanwhile, can't see what all the fuss is about.

Massa told Brazil's Band News FM: "I think it was a racing incident.

"On the last lap, who wouldn't try to fight for position? It's totally normal. 

The F1 veteran: "In my view it was a racing accident, but when it's with two drivers from the same team it causes a big problem." 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()