Hamilton opposed to team orders after dramatic finish in Austria

SPIELBERG, Austria, CMC- Champion Lewis Hamilton has voiced his opposition to team orders being introduced in his Formula 1 title battle with team mate Nico Rosberg, following Sunday’s dramatic finish to the ninth Formula One race of the season.

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff is threatening to impose restrictions to prevent Hamilton and Rosberg from racing freely and in an effort to reduce the possibility of another crash.

Rosberg led into the final lap but Hamilton won the action-filled Grand Prix in Austria after colliding with him on the last lap. “I’ve been in that position before. It goes against all racing values. I didn’t come into this sport to be in that situation, so I will pray and hope that’s not the case,” said Hamilton, 31, whose paternal grandparents are Grenadian.

“Firstly for myself, because that would take the joy of racing out. Secondly for the fans, because that will rob them of what they pay so much money for. They save up all year to go to the British Grand Prix. Team orders are not something that should deprive them of their excitement”.

Rosberg was held responsible for the incident by race stewards, who penalised him 10 seconds and added two penalty points on his licence.

The two drivers will resume their contest at this weekend’s British Grand Prix, where a crowd of 140,000 is expected on race day at Silverstone.