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Mercedes F1 team to revise rules of engagement between drivers

Mercedes plans to revise the rules of engagement for its Formula 1 drivers after Lewis Hamilton's actions in last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix revealed "blank spots".

Hamilton backed up then team-mate Nico Rosberg in an unsuccessful attempt to overhaul him in the title battle, ignoring instructions to up his pace to protect Mercedes' race win.

Motorsport boss Toto Wolff said after the season finale that Hamilton's tactics had set a precedent the F1 team would have to consider for the future.

The now-retired Rosberg has been replaced by Valtteri Bottas, who said earlier this month that he is anticipating 'strict rules' over how he should work with Hamilton.

Asked whether the rules of engagement would change given the new line-up, Wolff said: "That is an internal paper that has grown over years with experience and when you look at Abu Dhabi, it proved to have blank spots.

"It's something we want to continue to do and develop for benefit of the team and drivers and spectators.

"The basic concept will stay in place but we are maybe going to call it differently, trim it a little and add the bits that were missing but not make it a complex internal regulation.

"We'll have to see how the season gets started.

"It might be completely different in terms of the dynamics between the drivers, it might be different in terms of dynamics with the other teams."

Wolff said Hamilton had "closed a chapter" on last year's championship battle with Rosberg and is in a good place ahead of 2017.

"Lewis has been with the team four years and the longer you work with each other, the better you get to know each other," said Wolff.

"The way I have seen him in the last few week, he's in a great mood, in great spirits.

"He has closed the chapter of last year it seems to me and his work with the team has been exceptional.

"We seem to be in a good place there.

"Maybe that is because of the opportunity of having a new team-mate, some of the dynamics change - so my impression is positive."

Zdroj: autosport.com