Zetsche backs Lauda, Wolff to stick together

Dieter Zetsche has backed Mercedes’ F1 chiefs Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff, amid mischievous reports of discord between the pair.

Reports in Abu Dhabi had suggested the rift led to the point that team chairman Lauda, a shareholder just like team boss Wolff, was on the verge of quitting.

The two Austrians, however, humorously rebuked the speculation by walking the length of the Abu Dhabi paddock last weekend holding hands.

Daimler CEO Zetsche, who attended the 2015 finale, said it is no problem that Wolff and Lauda disagree over certain issues, like whether Mercedes should supply an engine to Red Bull.

"That you sometimes comes to a common position after starting at different points is quite normal," he told the German broadcaster Sky.

"But definitely the future cooperation has not at any time been in question," Zetsche insisted. "I could not imagine a better team than the one we have at the moment."