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Warring team-mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have been told that they are free to race for the 2014 title after Mercedes held clear the air talks.
The Brackley-based team held a meeting between key personnel including its drivers Hamilton and Rosberg to discuss the much publicised on track clash at the Belgian Grand Prix last weekend.
As a result, the team issued a statement confirming the pair are free to race for this year’s world championship without the introduction of team orders.
However, the pacesetting squad has reiterated that any repeat of this incident in future races will not be tolerated.
The statement also revealed that Rosberg has been disciplined for his role in the clash, which inflicted a puncture to Hamilton’s left rear tyre as the pair were fighting for the lead.
Rosberg has also apologised to Hamilton for his misjudgement.
“Toto Wolff, Paddy Lowe, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton met in the boardroom of Mercedes AMG Petronas headquarters in Brackley to discuss the events of the Belgian Grand Prix,” read the statement.
“During this meeting, Nico acknowledged his responsibility for the contact that occurred on lap two of the Belgian Grand Prix and apologised for this error of judgement.
“Suitable disciplinary measures have been taken for the incident.
“Mercedes-Benz remains committed to hard, fair racing because this is the right way to win world championships. It is good for the team, for the fans and for Formula 1.
“Lewis and Nico understand and accept the team’s number one rule: there must be no contact between the team’s cars on track.
“It has been made clear that another such incident will not be tolerated. But Nico and Lewis are our drivers and we believe in them.
“They remain free to race for the 2014 FIA Formula 1 world championship.”
Hamilton’s retirement from the Belgian Grand Prix has seen him slip 29 points behind his team-mate Rosberg, who leads the championship standings.
The pair are likely to continue their on track battle at next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
