Motorsport: Stewart urges Mercedes to give Hamilton ultimatum

Lewis Hamilton during the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. Photo / Getty Images

Jackie Stewart has accused Lewis Hamilton of being a "little ballerina" and called on Mercedes to hit him with an ultimatum of "do it our way or be excused" from the team.

Stewart, Britain's only other triple formula one world champion, delivered his stinging verdict with Mercedes still deliberating as to what action they will take against Hamilton after he disobeyed orders in Abu Dhabi.

Mercedes were unhappy with Hamilton for backing teammate Nico Rosberg into the clutches of the chasing pack in a ploy, which they believe, could have cost the team victory.

Hamilton returned to the scene of his championship defeat on Wednesday for a Pirelli tyre test, but he failed to complete the scheduled day in its entirety after withdrawing through illness.

"I think he (Hamilton) can be a little ballerina," Stewart told Press Association Sport. "Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda are not stupid people, and neither is the Mercedes chairman who often comes to grands prix.

"You cannot threaten a multi-national corporation of that size by one man who is just not doing it the right way.

"Give him the option of 'either do it our way or you have to be excused'."

Wolff, the Mercedes boss, suggested his team may take disciplinary action against Hamilton for ignoring two direct orders to speed up during Sunday's season finale.

Stewart, 77, who attended the Abu Dhabi race, added: "Lewis was refusing their instructions, and he was going against the management team.

"Now, I am sorry, but when you are paid between 20 and 30 million pounds a year and you are told to do something you have got to do it. I don't care who you are."