Hamilton brushes off Wolff warning

Lewis Hamilton has no concerns that he and Nico Rosberg could lose their Mercedes seats following what the Formula One world champion considers to be unnecessary comments from his boss Toto Wolff.

Mercedes head of motorsport Wolff stated earlier this month that the constructors’ championship winners could reconsider their driver-up line if tensions between Hamilton and Rosberg continue to mount.

The drivers have had several clashes and public disagreements since world champion Hamilton made the move to Mercedes three years ago, the duo battling – often acrimoniously – for the title.

Wolff warned changes could be made if the rival colleagues’ actions are “not aligned with the general consensus, spirit and philosophy within the team”.

But Hamilton has no fears that his position could be under threat and was not impressed by Wolff’s comments.

The Brit told Sky Italia: “Nico’s job is not in jeopardy and neither is mine.”

He added: “Am I surprised by it? Not really. Is it necessary? Not really.

“We are grown men and we have done the job that we are hired to do to the maximum. We’ve not done it 95 per cent or 80 per cent, we’ve done it 100 per cent to how they’ve wanted us to do it.

“Has there been friction? Of course, you can’t have it perfect always. But have we always shone light on this team? I believe so. Have we always delivered when they’ve given us the opportunity to do so? I believe so.”

Hamilton won his second consecutive title, and third overall, this season, with Rosberg second in the drivers’ standings behind the Englishman in each of the last two years.

Despite their dominance, the 30-year-old former McLaren driver knows neither man can afford to rest on his laurels.

“I think it is easy for people to get complacent in life and I think it is important as a team we don’t get complacent,” Hamilton said.

“We’ve had two incredibly successful years and when you complain about small things I think that is when you can easily lose your way.

“Of course we always want to be better and perfect, but as long as we stay together and continue to communicate I think it will be good.”