Vettel and Hamilton was just one of the many incidents that occurred during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix just over a week ago, with the two Force India's colliding with each other another huge issue on the Baku City Circuit. This incident was actually the reason the red flag was thrown on lap 23 as the track was littered with damage causing debris and marshals needed to clean it to prevent more cars being damaged as the race wore on.
This isn't the first time we have seen the two pink panthers come together, as there was also an incident in Canada that saw team bosses reiterate their desire to allow their two drivers to race each other on the track rather than impose team orders. That decision cost them a possible podium finish in Canada and a possible win in Baku.
However, after discussions back at the team's headquarters after the last event, Team Boss Vijay Mallya has confirmed that while the team must come first and a coming together between their drivers is not acceptable, they will not be changing their approach…
“I can't remember a Grand Prix creating such a buzz and so many talking points as the race we saw in Baku,” he said. “We certainly played our part in a dramatic race and it's still frustrating to ponder what might have been had things played out differently.”
“Since Baku we've had some conversations internally and reminded our drivers that the team must always come first. It's never acceptable for teammates to make contact with each other and it certainly cost us points in Baku.”
“However, the events of Azerbaijan won't change our approach. Our drivers can race freely and I'm sure they have learned some valuable lessons. We've given them a competitive car and I know they are mature enough to work together for the good of the team.”
