Rosberg-Hamilton crash - who is to blame ?

The two fiercely competitive drivers have had numerous run-in's and public spats and team boss Toto Wolff has had to step in as an intermediary and peacemaker. Mercedes even abolished team orders after an incident at the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix in which Hamilton blatantly disobeyed orders to allow Rosberg through in mid-race.

The stewards report ascribed the crash to a 'racing incident' and no action was taken against either driver.

While the two drivers were both apologetic -- to the team, but not each other -- team principal Wolff has so far remained on the fence, but that didn't stop influential Mercedes Racing non-executive chairman Nikki Lauda from blasting Hamilton today and calling the incident "stupid".

The Rosberg-Hamilton rivalry brings back vivid memories from the 80's when Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna and fiery Frenchman Alain Prost were teammates at McLaren, but neither would give an inch.

In days when team orders were unheard of, both drivers were prepared to die in their quest to be the dominant driver. Sadly Senna is no longer with us and did eventually make the ultimate sacrifice on the track.

Previous incidents involving Mercedes teammates Hamilton and Rosberg 

Malaysia 2013: Rosberg is ordered not to pass Hamilton by then team principal Ross Brawn. They move past it relatively quickly.

Monaco 2014: Hamilton believes Rosberg deliberately went off on his final qualifying lap to scupper his effort. The Englishman declares that the two are “not friends”.

Hungary 2014: Hamilton refuses to obey an order to allow Rosberg – on a different strategy – through in the middle of the race. Rosberg is still fuming about it after the summer break before Spa.

Belgium 2014: On the second lap Rosberg tries to overtake Hamilton, clipping his rear left tyre, causing a puncture. Hamilton goes out of the race while Rosberg finishes second. The team blame Rosberg.

United States 2015: Hamilton overtakes Rosberg at the start into turn one with an aggressive move. The pair lightly touch, but no damage is sustained. Rosberg makes an error in the closing stages allowing Hamilton to take the win and a third championship.