LEWIS: I PRAY WE DON’T GET TEAM ORDERS

Lewis Hamilton has questioned his own team boss toto wolff as the fallout from his austrian Grand Prix victory continues.

Hamilton claimed his first win in spielberg after an extraordinary final-lap tussle with teammate nico Rosberg. the German limped from first to fourth after damage sustained in their turn two collision which mercedes chief wolff labelled ‘brainless’.

‘as a team boss there’s a lot of pressure to bring in the money, keep the sponsors happy and we need one-twos,’ said Hamilton.

‘so we finish one-four and emotions are running but it (the brainless comment) might not have been the best thing to say.

‘there’s more than just me, nico and toto in the team. there’s 1,300 people that are watching us so, even through this difficult time, it’s important how we project that energy because we are the leaders of this team.’

it was the second time in five races that Hamilton and Rosberg have made contact, after their first-lap crash in Barcelona. wolff has threatened to impose team orders to avoid a repeat.

Hamilton said: ‘this is racing, from day one they said we can race and it’s what i was doing. i’ve been in that position (team orders) before and it goes against all my racing values and the foundation of what racing is about. But ultimately i race for this team and i do want the best for the team. i’m the three-time world champion and my job is to do what they say.’

whether Hamilton likes it or not, there is now a distinct possibility that, should he and Rosberg be battling at this coming sunday’s British Grand Prix, mercedes will ask the pair to hold station. Hamilton says that would deprive him and the fans.

‘i didn’t come into this to be in that situation so i will pray and hope that’s not the situation,’ he said.

‘Firstly for myself because that would take the joy of racing out and second because it will rob the fans of what they pay so much for. they save up all year to go to silverstone or whatever race it is. team orders is not something that should deprive them.

‘even if it’s the other way around and i’m racing and the other guy’s coming for me, that’s racing. it’s why you turn up and sit in the mud in the camper van at silverstone, because you’re with that passion.’

wolff revealed that discussions would take place this week and a decision on team orders taken irrespective of the drivers’ views. ‘i feel like i have the right to say my opinion regardless of the boss,’ said Hamilton. ‘i don’t feel anyone is above or below anyone regardless of how you live, wealth, religion, whatever it might be. ‘i’m with the team, i hope we’ll discuss it and come to a positive way forward.’ Despite evidence to the contrary, Rosberg laid the blame for the incident at Hamilton’s door, accusing him of ‘ turning into me’. ‘i had zero doubt in my mind,’ said Hamilton (below). ‘i was like, i’m going to do everything in my power. i might not win, but i’ll do everything, on the knife edge, over it and beyond. so coming out ahead — it’s the best thing.’ the ramifications are as big for the championship as they are for mercedes, with Hamilton reducing Rosberg’s lead to 11 points with 12 races to go. ‘ i’m massively driven,’ added Hamilton. ‘ Hopefully this race has shown you just how driven i am for this world championship. ‘i want it as much as — if not more than — i’ve wanted my other world championships and i actually love that it’s even harder to get because that makes you appreciate it more.’