Hamilton: I'm not at war with Alonso

Lewis Hamilton has moved to quell suggestions that he is no longer on speaking terms with Fernando Alonso by insisting that he and his team-mate “continue to have a professional working relationship” and are not “at war” with each other.

The rivalry between the McLaren drivers bubbled over at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix after Hamilton disregarded team instructions in the early part of qualifying and Alonso later held him up in the pits, which cost the Briton a chance of pole position.

After winning the race on Sunday Hamilton admitted that he and Alonso had not spoken since the controversy erupted, adding that “I don’t know if he has a problem”.

That prompted observers to conclude that the inevitably tense relationship between the title protagonists had completely broken down.

But McLaren released a statement on Thursday saying Hamilton had asked to correct that perception.

The 22-year-old says he and Alonso have spoken to each other this week and plan to meet up before the next race in Turkey.

“For the record, Fernando and I are fiercely competitive and respectful of each other,” Hamilton said.

“We are both ambitious drivers who want to win. However, we are not drivers at war, as has been widely reported.

“Although we did not speak on Sunday we have spoken since the weekend and continue to have a professional working relationship.

“In fact, Fernando and I plan to meet up over the holiday period.

“As an individual in my first year in Formula 1 I have done my utmost to conduct myself in a professional and open manner.

“Of course, I have made mistakes, not least during the last weekend, and those are open to public scrutiny.

“I have my own regrets and have dealt with matters arising.

“However, it is disappointing that inflammatory and untrue material is given to the media and published which may damage reputations.

“This inflammatory material is then commentated on by many others as if it is factual.

“Whilst I wouldn’t normally communicate through press statements, I felt it important to set this matter straight.”