Wolff adamant no rules in place between Hamilton, Bottas and Russell

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is adamant no rules of engagement have been drawn up between Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and George Russell in the wake of the latter duo's crash at Imola.

Wolff has confirmed to calmly speaking to both Bottas and Russell about their recent 200mph crash during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

Although Russell pointed an accusing finger at Bottas in the immediate aftermath, the Williams driver and Mercedes junior later apologised for his comments.

Russell further stated that as a Mercedes-backed driver he should not crash with a team-mate, declaring both Bottas and Hamilton were "team-mates...of sorts".

Although eager to keep most of his "discussions" with Bottas and Russell private, Wolff said: "Drivers have to go for a gap.

"Sometimes it is evaluating whether to take a risk or not and I guess that a young driver will always go for the possibility and nothing else is expected.

"The question is, is there enough reaction time to evaluate who is in the other car? I think not.

"So, in a way, there is never 100 per cent blame on one and zero on the other."

While the occasions when Russell is likely to be racing either Hamilton or Bottas in the future are likely to be few and far between, Wolff has indicated they will be free to compete should the opportunity arise again.

"There is no confusion on any side and there are no rules for any of the drivers," added Wolff. "It was just us giving feedback."

Given Russell's "team-mate" comment with regard to Bottas, Wolff was pointedly asked why the Finn had not been instructed to allow the Briton to pass.

Clearly stunned, Wolff commented: "I don't know how I really should respond to such a question. I have no response."

Related

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton drops Mercedes BOMBSHELL ahead of Las Vegas GP

• Yesterday 20:02

Lewis Hamilton

Wolff reveals Hamilton FRUSTRATION ahead of Mercedes exit

• November 20, 2024 20:58