Hamilton or Rosberg could face the axe

MERCEDES will consider changing their driver line-up if the strained relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg has a bad effect on their team, boss Toto Wolff has warned. In a frank interview with Motorsport.com, Wolff described the tension between his drivers as the team’s ‘biggest weakness’. Hamilton’s relationship with Rosberg is at an all-time low after the British driver beat Rosberg to claim his second successive world title at the US Grand Prix in October. ‘We struggle sometimes in winning races on Sunday and having always one driver upset,’ said Wolff (right). ‘This spills over into the team. It is something that needs to stop. There is lots going on behind closed doors. I feel that the team are 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. ‘The biggest weakness is the dynamic of the relationship between the drivers — and sometimes between the drivers and the team. 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’s 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.’ Hamilton, who saw off Rosberg’s title challenge with three races to spare, was accused of ‘extremely aggressive driving’ by his team-mate after the pair banged wheels in Austin. Hamilton has since said his team ‘have felt the need to be extra warm’ to Rosberg, winner of the next three races, following the fall-out from Austin. Rosberg described that comment as an ‘excuse’ for the Briton’s failure to win the following race in Mexico. Hamilton signed a new three-year deal in May and Rosberg’s current contract expires at the end of 2016, but the German said last month that he has no desire to leave. ‘No, at the moment I am happy where I am,’ said Rosberg, when asked if he would consider a rival team. ‘It feels like my team in a way. I built this up with everyone else and this is my sixth year now. It is my home.’