Hamilton unconcerned by Mercedes axe threat

Lewis Hamilton doesn't believe he nor Nico Rosberg need worry about Toto Wolff's assertion that one could be forced to leave the Mercedes if their rivalry begins to affect the team.

Mercedes F1 boss Wolff suggested co-operation within Mercedes has been key to their success in recent years, but should escalating tension between Hamilton and Rosberg escalate in 2016 begin to hamper the team's progress, he says he won't be afraid to make a drastic change.

With Rosberg's contract due to end in 2016 and Hamilton signed to a deal until 2018, it would appear that the former would be most likely to face the axe in such a scenario.

However, Hamilton played down the threat and even backed his team-mate to stay too, saying they will be safe as long as they continue to deliver 100 per cent, even if the 'friction' remains.

"We are grown men and we have done the job that we are hired to do to the maximum," the three-time world champion told Sky Italia. "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.

"Am I surprised by it? Not really. Is it necessary? Not really," the three-time world champion told Sky Italia

Indeed, Hamilton warns against Mercedes becoming wrapped up in 'small things' as a threat to its dominance of F1.

"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.

"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 clinched his third world title at a relative canter with three races to go, though Rosberg went into the off-season having dominated each of those final trio of race.