Toto Wolff has said that another collision between Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg could result in the imposition of team orders or even race bans.
With the silver-clad duo first and second on the grid at Silverstone, Mercedes chief Wolff would not divulge what deterrents have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of an Austrian Gran Prix-style crash, although he did not deny that team orders or even one of the drivers being suspended are among the options.
"Such things are not the ideal scenario, of course," Wolff told German television RTL.
"But the two of them have a great responsibility to this brand Mercedes, for our team spirit and our partners and sponsors, and for all of the Mercedes employees around the world.
"If all of this work is thrown away with a collision, then at some point there has to be a sanction. It must come to an end."
When asked specifically if a race ban is among the options, he confirmed: "Yes, that may be a consequence."
Next up on the calendar is the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 24.