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No end in sight for Merc's 'star wars'

The German press already has two words to describe the situation between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg - 'Star Wars'.

After the qualifying controversy ahead of the 2014 Monaco GP, a furious Hamilton sat down with Rosberg in a mandatory meeting with Mercedes team bosses Paddy Lowe, Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda.

When asked if the team mates are still talking, Rosberg smiled: "Of course!"

QUALIFYING CONTROVERSY

Not according to Hamilton. 

Hamilton, who lost his 2014 championship lead to Rosberg as his winning streak ended in the Principality, answered "no" when asked if he and Rosberg are on speaking terms.

Lauda confirmed that Hamilton did not exactly accept Rosberg's apology after the qualifying session.

Hamilton said: "Well, we're not friends, we're colleagues."

After the calm and maturity of Hamilton's early-season form in 2014, he sounded upset not only with Rosberg on Sunday, but also the Mercedes team.

"I knew you wouldn't call me in," Hamilton fumed to his engineer, after suggesting he should have been invited for an earlier pit service on Sunday (May 25).

The big fracture within Mercedes is between Hamilton and Rosberg.

'I DIDN'T MAKE ANY MISTAKES'

Rosberg said: "Fortunately I didn't make any mistakes."

Even Rosberg is beginning to catch on to the chill: "I don't want to comment about Lewis in any way. 'Friends' is a big word, we work well together."

Earlier in May 2014, Rosberg happily revealed that when Monaco neighbour Hamilton's fridge is empty, the Briton will often knock and ask for a spare rissole.

When asked if Hamilton is still going to drop by, Rosberg said: "I doubt it."

Lauda, a triple world champion who has first-hand experience of tough title battles, vowed to keep the situation under control: "They know what they have to do -- I made it clear to them this morning. I think I am earning my money as a mentor!"

'EVERYTHING IS PERFECT'

At the same time, it emerged - and Lauda confirmed it - that Hamilton had to apologise for using a high engine setting against orders in Barcelona two weeks ago to keep Rosberg behind him.

Rosberg, who complied with orders and used the lower setting, reportedly accepted Hamilton's apology.

"Everything is perfect," Lauda insisted.

Click here for race results from the 2014 Monaco GP

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