The term 'F1 team orders' is quite familiar, but the term 'cross-team instructions' is something many people are not very clear about.

To put it simply, it's when the management or strategy team of Team A directly issues instructions to the drivers of Team B!

This situation usually arises when there are common interests between the two teams or drivers.

For example, in joint operations, like those between Red Bull Racing Team and Red Bull Second Team.

Another kind is engine customer teams, such as those in the Renault camp, Mercedes camp, Ferrari camp, etc.

Historically, there have been countless races suspected of cross-team instructions, those passive defenses, and inexplicable car-giving moves raise suspicions, though such behavior violates FIA rules, no team or driver is likely to admit it.

Yet, there happens to be someone who admitted it, and he is TOTO, the team leader of Mercedes Team (Wolff).

During the 18-season Monaco Station, Indian Force driver Ocon let the Mercedes driver Hamilton behind him pass, directly deciding the outcome of that race's podium.

Afterward, facing media interviews, Mercedes leader Toto proudly announced that it was he who issued cross-team instructions to Ocon to help Hamilton gain more points and achieve the team's five consecutive championships. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Furthermore, at the Brazilian Station that same year, Indian Force driver Ocon let Hamilton pass again and even bumped the lead car Verstappen out of the track during lapping, leading to the famous weighing platform shoving scene.

It was precisely Ocon's move that allowed Hamilton to snatch first place and continuously lead until the race ended.

Of course, this time, Toto didn't admit to the cross-team instructions, drawn from the previous year's Briatore "Crash Gate" penalties, Wolff couldn't guarantee he could overturn FIA's suspension order.

Externally, there is generally a consensus that there is definitely suspicion of behind-the-scenes manipulation by the Mercedes Team.

As for why Indian Force driver Ocon would listen to Mercedes leader's instructions, it's because both parties belong to the same camp.

Indian Force uses Mercedes power units, and Ocon is from the Mercedes youth training background, and Toto hinted at him joining the Mercedes Factory Team.

Being able to leap into a top factory team, it's not surprising to be a tool.

However, McLaren and Mercedes have somewhat special relations in this era; theoretically, Mercedes provides the power unit and occupies a dominant position, but in fact, for a long time, McLaren occupied the dominant position.

Even when Mercedes wanted to sell power units to other teams inside the circuit, they needed McLaren's permission, otherwise, the transaction couldn't be reached.

Clearly, such status relations meant renowned luxury Mercedes could definitely not bear long; this was one of the fuses in the breakdown between the two teams.

But those are matters for the future, now still in the "new army" phase, Mercedes remains closely related to McLaren.

Presently ranked fourth, Rosberg hears the instructions from the team engineer.

"Rosberg, hold back the HRT driver Bei behind you and create an opportunity for Hamilton."

Upon hearing these team orders, Rosberg was first surprised, and then immediately understood the team's intention.

As a second-generation driver, Rosberg was no stranger to paddock politics, besides the team's long-time implied cooperation with McLaren, suggesting secret channels for cross-team instructions.

Some things can only be understood without being articulated, the timing indeed involves assisting Hamilton in overtaking.

In later years, many knew Rosberg and Hamilton had a poor relationship, their intra-team competition was very fierce, even reaching the point of mutual sarcastic accusations during post-race interviews.

But in fact, they once had a very good relationship, even talking about the future chance to become F1 teammates, believing it would be a very cool thing.

Just like Chen Xiangbei and Hoshino Yoshi's pact to meet at the pinnacle.

The "dream" came true, yet faced the harsh reality.

The greatest enemy in F1 is often your teammate!

No matter how hard you try to separate racing and life, in the highly competitive circus of F1 with only one world championship title, childhood and adolescent friendships can't withstand the test.

Years later, Rosberg won't execute this order to help Hamilton improve his ranking.

But it doesn't mean he won't comply now.

Under circumstances where the bottom-line interests conflict is not touched, childhood friendships hold more value.

"Roger that."

After simply responding, Rosberg looks at the HRT Racing Car far behind in the rearview mirror.

Aside from his friendship with Hamilton, Rosberg also has a feud with Chen Xiangbei, he certainly wouldn't let the Chinese Kid easily improve his ranking!

Chen Xiangbei naturally didn't hear other teams' instructions, he continued in his rhythm blocking Hamilton's offense while trying his best to chase the car ahead, Rosberg.

One lap, two laps, three laps…

At cruising speed without full throttle advancement, the speed between drivers actually doesn't differ much.

Until the race reached the twenty-fifth lap, Rosberg entered Chen Xiangbei's attack range.

But before he could launch his attack, the car ahead, Rosberg, made an irrational move, he deliberately slowed down a bit to block in front of Chen Xiangbei's car, beginning a slow car pressing maneuver!

Although Chen Xiangbei is a newcomer, it doesn't mean he's a rookie; upon seeing this scene, he instantly understood the significance behind Rosberg's move.