Mercedes could opt to dump either Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg or even both drivers if tension between the two becomes any worse next season, Toto Wolff has admitted.
Whilst the pair have only been team-mates for three seasons, their relationship has become increasingly strained with each passing race and has come to blows on a number of occasions.
That, according to Wolff, is beginning to have an impact on the team to such an extent that the Austrian highlighted their relationship as Mercedes’ biggest weakness.
“We struggle sometimes in winning races on Sunday and having always one [driver] upset and this spills over into the team. It is something that needs to stop,” he told Motorsport.com.
“[Our] biggest weakness is the dynamic of the relationship between the drivers – and sometimes between the drivers and the team.”
Wolff went as far as to suggest they may be forced to change their driver line-up in future if things don’t improve.
“Going forward, we will consider if it is the best set-up for the team,” he added. “If we feel that it is not aligned with the general consensus, spirit and philosophy within the team, we might consider that when we take a decision, in terms of the driver line-up going forward.
“I think it is important to have talented and fast drivers in the car. But we want to work with nice guys.”