Mercedes duo remain free to race after Rosberg apology

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton will continue to race each other for the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship after Mercedes held ‘clear the air’ talks with the pair regarding their clash in Belgium.

During a meeting at Mercedes’ UK headquarters on Friday attended by both drivers as well as head of motorsport Toto Wolff and executive director (technical) Paddy Lowe, Rosberg "acknowledged his responsibility for the contact that occurred on lap two of the Belgian Grand Prix and apologised for this error of judgement".

In a statement issued by the team, Mercedes made it clear that while it would not be issuing team orders, "suitable disciplinary measures have been taken for the incident" and further contact between the two men would not be accepted.

“Mercedes-Benz remains committed to hard, fair racing because this is the right way to win world championships,” the statement read. “It is good for the team, for the fans and for Formula One.

“Lewis and Nico understand and accept the team's number one rule: there must be no contact between the team's cars on track. It has been made clear that another such incident will not be tolerated. But Nico and Lewis are our drivers and we believe in them.”

Despite sustaining front wing damage in the incident, Rosberg went on to finish second at Spa-Francorchamps, whilst Hamilton retired after sustaining damage limping back to the pits with a puncture.

The result enabled Rosberg to extend his championship lead over Hamilton to 29 points with seven races remaining.