Feb.3 (GMM) Toto Wolff is not expecting the current mood of peace between Mercedes’ drivers to last.
Last year, the relationship between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg deteriorated badly amid their two-horse duel for the 2014 title.
But as soon as the final chequered flag waved in Abu Dhabi, German Rosberg congratulated the world champion Hamilton and peace and even the odd text message has now reigned through the winter.
Team boss Wolff, however, warned: “I have no illusions that 2015 will be an easier year.
“At this stage in their lives, they are teammates and competitors,” he told reporters at Jerez, the first of three pre-season tests before Melbourne.
“This is how it is. It makes no sense to hope for harmony when no harmony can be expected.”
Wolff explained that rivalry between competitive teammates is actually good for a team in terms of getting the most from the drivers and developing the car.
“That is when a team is getting pushed forward,” he said.
“The downside – the intense competition – we will live with,” Wolff added. “We have learned from last season. We have matured as a team, including the drivers.”