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FORMULA ONE

Mercedes to confront Rosberg-Hamilton 'anarchy'

Mercedes' celebrations over Nico Rosberg's first world title have been overshadowed by 'anarchy' between the world champion and Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton shakes hands with Nico Rosberg
Clive MasonGetty Images

Mercedes' celebrations over Nico Rosberg's first world title have been overshadowed by 'anarchy' between the world champion and Lewis Hamilton.

Some reports have said the team could even punish the Briton for slowing down the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday in the hope that arch-rival teammate Rosberg could be overtaken and lose the title.

Hamilton rejects instructions

Hamilton twice rejected team instructions to speed up as Rosberg came under threat from Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP embraces his car after finishing second and securing the F1 World Drivers Championship
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Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP embraces his car after finishing second and securing the F1 World Drivers ChampionshipClive MasonGetty Images

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said 'It's very simple: anarchy does not work in any team and in any company. A precedent has been set.'

'Undermining a structure in public means you are putting yourself before the team.'

What does it mean?

According to Wolff, Mercedes will 'look at the overall situation and say 'what does it mean?' Everything is possible.

'Maybe we want to give them more freedom next year, or go with the harsher side where we feel the values were not respected. I am not sure yet where my finger is going to point or the needle is going to go.'

Hamilton responds

Hamilton has said Mercedes should have just let the teammates race out their rivalry.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares for the race on the grid
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Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP prepares for the race on the gridMark ThompsonGetty Images

'I don't think I did anything dangerous, I don't think I did anything unfair,' said Hamilton.

'We were fighting for the championship, I was in the lead so I control the pace.'