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Austrian GP
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Austrian GP
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Formula 1
Austrian GP
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Austrian GP
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Williams sure F1 team orders row between Massa, Bottas is resolved

Williams is sure that the team orders row that broke out between Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix has now been resolved

After holding the usual post-race debrief, the team is understood to have held a separate discussion at Sepang on Sunday evening, which included Massa, Bottas and chief test and support engineer Rod Nelson, to ensure there is no repeat.

Massa says he was right to ignore orders

Williams had 'switch back' plan

Massa had ignored an instruction to let Bottas past in the closing stages of the race so that the Finn could attempt to challenge Jenson Button for sixth place.

"We have sat down with both drivers to talk through what happened this evening here in Malaysia," said Nelson.

"They understand the team's position and why they were asked to do what we asked them to do, which was strategically what we felt was best for the team, allowing each driver to attack button individually to try and get ahead.

"It's now been addressed and we have moved on as a team.

"Our focus is now on Bahrain next weekend."

AUTOSPORT's Malaysian GP driver ratings

Massa had told the team after the race that he was unhappy with receiving the instruction, which had echoes of the 2010 German GP when he was forced to move over to let Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso win.

But he confirmed he is happy with the team even though he disagreed with the order during the race.

"I am fine, to be honest I have no problem with the team and a very good relationship," he said.

Previous article Alonso says he knows where Ferrari F1 car needs to improve
Next article Button thinks McLaren F1 team gains masked by Sepang demands

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