London, July 8 (IANS): The Mercedes Formula One team management has told its drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg that they will be free to race each other in the British Grand Prix but must not lose any more points through clashes.

The team's statement on Thursday came after current World Champion Hamilton and Rosberg crashed into each other on a late bend in the Austrian GP on July 3, reports Efe.

Rosberg, who was leading the race at the time, lost part of his front wing and dropped to fourth place while Hamilton raced ahead to win.

"Our drivers were informed that they remain free to race for the World Championship," the statement said.

The team added that "this freedom comes with a duty for our drivers to respect the values of the team".

The statement said that in the past five races there had been three incidents between the two former youth karting rivals that had "cost us over 50 points in the Constructors' Championship".

The team said it may issue the drivers with "instructions during the race" that is due to take place Sunday at the Silverstone track similar to when they required Rosberg to let Hamilton past in last year's Monaco GP.

Rosberg leads the standings with 153 points after nine races with Hamilton second on 142.

Mercedes leads the constructors' standings on 295 points ahead of second-place Ferrari on 192.