F1: Mercedes' Wolff says his drivers needn't be friends

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff thinks it nonsense to suggest that Formula 1 teammates Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton need to be friends.

The relationship between the duo has been under the spotlight following issues at the Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix. But amid an apparently improved relationship in Canada, following clear the air talks last week, the pair are on normal speaking terms again, which has improved the atmosphere at the team.

Wolff has, however, dismissed suggestions of the relationship going as far as friendship.

"Racing drivers will never be friends because this is not going to the weekends doing a little bit of fun racing," he said, when asked if it was important that the two drivers were getting on better now. "This is their job and this is a very competitive environment. Everything that has been said about the great friendship is probably a nice story but it isn't actually how it is in reality.

"They are colleagues and as long as they respect each other, treat each other fairly, and represent the brand in the way we expect the brand to be, then for us it is fair and square.

"You can discuss whether Sunday night [in Monaco] was appropriate, with Lewis being upset or not. But he is hugely competitive. He finished second and he was upset because of the Saturday.

"For the team it is good it has calmed down but then on the other side it has no major effect. It is not really detrimental to the spirit of the team – although obviously it is a good story."

Although the Monaco dispute generated huge interest, Wolff said Mercedes had little trouble sorting the matter out.

"I think there is no difference to any other company and, in every company, you have situations where you need to sort out the relationship between humans," he said. "What you see between the drivers is obviously very visible for everybody because of the media, but these kinds of issues you just need to have a neutral standpoint and communicate how you see things and how things should be handled.

"If you have individuals like the two of them, who are switched on and understand what it is about, it is not difficult at all."