Bernie Ecclestone has urged Mercedes to continue to allow Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to race, amid talk that the reigning world champions could impose team orders going forward.
After their last-lap collision at last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, team principal Toto Wolff admitted that Mercedes was considering team orders from the British Grand Prix onwards in an attempt to avoid further incidents between its drivers.
It was the second collision between Hamilton and Rosberg this season, after the pair came together on the first-lap of May's Spanish Grand Prix. Formula One supremo Ecclestone has pleaded that Mercedes continue to let its driver's race.
"I think we need to let them race," the 85-year-old is quoted as saying by Telegraph Sport. "If they do anything silly we have the stewards there to sort it out. People don't want to see the team interfering. It's not good for the sport of for the fans.
"I spoke to Toto and I told him exactly what I've told you: let them get on with it. We've got stewards for all that, we don't need the team deciding the race. If Lewis is going to win, let him win. Or with Nico. Don't get involved."
Three time world champion Hamilton -- who is aiming to equal Nigel Mansell's British record of four grand prix victories at Silverstone -- said after the race in Spielberg that he hopes team orders are not necessary, while championship leader Rosberg said he would accept them.
Ecclestone agrees with Hamilton's view and warned that implementing team orders would rob F1 fans of a show.
"Imagine if we get to the final race of the season and one is told they can't overtake and that decides the championship? It's not good for Formula One and it won't be good for Mercedes."