Last year, following the Ferrari team orders controversy in the aftermath of the German Grand Prix, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) took immediate action and fined the Scuderia $100,000 for deploying team tactics at Hockenheim. Later on, the international body headed by Jean Todt decided to once again allow team orders into the sport, on the basis of they are too hard to police.
While not a stranger of team orders himself, back from the days Mercedes was partnering McLaren in the series – we can all remember the Lewis Hamilton-Heikki Kovalainen “moment” at the same Hockenheim circuit in 2008 – Haug insisted teams should not use these tactics anymore.
“My personal opinion is that it is not correct,” he told the German media, while arguing that “we saw some spectacular battles last year between Nico (Rosberg) and Michael (Schumacher), and that's what makes sport and in my view it should be the case whenever possible.”
“I can well imagine how it can be controlled effectively without requiring that we resort to this. This is a difficult subject, as you have to act as a team, but within the context of sport and in respect to the audience, team orders should be avoided.”
“In the long period that I have been involved now in Formula One, in our team it was rarely the case that a change of positions had to be made,” he added.
While allowing team orders back into the sport, such tactics will be used under certain circumstances, as ruled by the FIA in their rulebook for the 2011 season.
“Teams will be reminded that any actions liable to bring the sport into disrepute are dealt with under Article 151c of the International Sporting Code and any other relevant provisions,” reads the FIA mention to team orders.
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