McLaren: Hamilton Did Not Use ‘F' Word

Topics:  Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton

Anthony Fontanelle
August 10, 2007

The Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year was indeed controversial, but it pales in comparison to the Hungarian Grand Prix. At the Monaco race, Hamilton lamented that his team held him back from trying to overtake his teammate Fernando Alonso. This has caused the FIA to conduct an investigation whether the team has enforced the illegal ‘team orders’. The FIA though found McLaren not guilty.

Last weekend during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso posted the fastest time but did not start on pole. The reason is that Alonso was demoted five places after allegedly blocking Hamilton during the closing round of the qualifying session. Hamilton inherited the pole position and went on to win his third Grand Prix of the season and his career. He had also increased his lead over Alonso, and strengthened his bid for the championship on his rookie season. Alonso on the other hand finished just outside the top three.

But one of the most shocking reports from the Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session is that Hamilton allegedly had a colorful argument with his mentor and McLaren team principal Ron Dennis. British newspapers have reported that Hamilton used the ‘F’ word on his mentor. This alleged swearing has muddled the reputation of the young Formula One rookie.

But McLaren recently revealed that the rookie sensation did not use the ‘F’ word on Dennis. The statement from the team reads: “The team have investigated this claim and reviewed the radio transmissions and we can categorically confirm that Lewis did not use the 'F' word at any time during the conversation with the team.”

“The team and Lewis are extremely disappointed that the use of the 'F' word appears to have been invented and repeated to the media.”

The use of the unpleasant word allegedly happen when Hamilton was upset that Alonso apparently blocked him on the pit lane during the qualifying session Saturday. Alonso though pointed out that he was only doing what the engineer told him so. He said that there was a countdown and that was why he appeared to have stayed in the pit lane longer than necessary.

Meanwhile, the young rookie has this to say: “As an individual in my first year in Formula One, 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. 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.”

Both Hamilton and Alonso are driving the MP4-22 with the engine provided by German automaker Mercedes-Benz which also manufactures engines and auto parts for road-bound vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz brake calipers and the likes.

The team is currently facing its toughest season in the form of the spying charges and the internal problems between the drivers. But they will have a short reprieve as the next race is scheduled three weeks after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Team principal Ron Dennis is one that is glad to have the chance to rest. But before the break, Dennis had this to say about the position of the team in relation to the conduct of the two drivers: “It's tough on us, but we will not deviate away from equality. It's the foundation of the company.”

Source:  Amazines.com