Mercedes F1 duo Hamilton and Rosberg told not to change approach

The pair's 1-2 finish at the Russian Grand Prix was enough to secure Mercedes the constructors' crown with three races remaining, and all but guarantees one of them will be drivers' champion.

Hamilton is 92 points clear of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo in the championship which means, with only 100 points available, freak circumstances are the only thing that can topple him.

But after a season that has witnessed several tense moments between Hamilton and Rosberg - and a clash on track at the Belgian GP - Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff says the team's rules of engagement are unchanged.

"Of course 92 points means Daniel would need to win all three remaining races and Lewis not to score eight points," said Wolff.

"So, even though I am a pessimist that would be a black swan, black swan, black swan event.

"However, I don't think we are going to change something in our approach, because we want them to race each other respectfully.

"We saw that in Russia. Probably that was Nico's corner and he just missed the braking on the dirty line. Lewis was very cold blooded and it was good.

"So it will not change the approach. We don't want it to end in some kind of circumstance with events on the track."

HAMILTON: GAP NOT COMFORTABLE

Although Hamilton is now 17 points clear of Rosberg following the Russian GP, he said it is far too early to feel that he is in control of the championship.

"It is a very positive feeling to have points and obviously be finishing ahead of Nico, but history has shown this year that the gap can never be enough," he said.

"I guess the really important thing is the gap at the end of the year. At the moment, nothing changes.

"We have to keep on fighting and pushing as hard as I have been up until now, and if I can bring any more then I will."