Ralf responded by saying: "It was a pretty strong move and next time I will have him off the track." The relationship between these two drivers has been very much one of hot and cold ever since the pair both arrived at the WilliamsF1 team.

Now it was the turn of team boss Frank Williams to enter into the discussions. During the Friday press conference Frank was questioned about how he felt having one of his drivers saying that he would "have him off the track."

Frank responded to Ralf's comments by saying: "Words are easy, especially in the heat of the moment. But under racing conditions they are free to race, they are free to compete and they are free to bump wheels if that is the only way of getting by. What they are not allowed to do is push their team-mates off. That is the divide. Words come easily in the heat of the moment, common sense will prevail."

As for whether the WilliamsF1 team could maintain control over their two drivers, Frank added: "It will be difficult. But I do believe, and I think Juan Pablo proved that and so did Ralf with their conduct in Melbourne, that there was little to criticise about their dedication which is what they are paid for.

"Off the track there'll be trouble but it's the team manager's job to try and handle it and keep it away from the racing."

As for Juan Pablo's views on Ralf's comments he responded by saying: "I think he was just a bit too excited. I think the reporter asked the right question and wound Ralf up. They asked the right question to Ralf and he just went over the roof. But I think we'll be okay."