F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton won't take back 'disgrace' comment on Vettel

Lewis Hamilton accepted Sebastian Vettel's apologies related to the pair's run-in at Baku, but would not take back the comments he expressed in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

The title rivals spoke at length in the days following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Vettel sending his opponent a text message in which he delivered a formal  apology for his behaviour. 

"We spoke after the race on Monday and shortly after that he messaged me the day after," Hamilton said.

"I just said that for me I still have the utmost respect for him as a driver and will continue to race him hard as a driver as we always have and no less hard.

"My only point was that saying I had brake-tested him, I hoped he could correct that because people watching would think I had. That was not the case.

"In fact, he accelerated. It was an error of judgement. I said I hoped he made that clear. I had no intentions to do that. There was no need.

"There wasn't actually an apology in the conversation we had, even if that was maybe the intention. The next day when we were texting there was an apology and I did accept it."

Asked in Thursday's media conference in Baku if he regretted saying that Vettel had disgraced himself, Hamilton refuted that he had reacted out of anger, and stood by his initial remarks.

"I wasn't particularly upset," Hamilton said.

"If I was, it was for other reasons. I don't think I said anything I should take back. I am of the same opinion as to what happened but it is water under the bridge and there is no point saying much more."

Interestingly, when asked if the FIA's decision not to further pursue Vettel change his view on his rival's actions, Hamilton referenced the President of the governing body himself.

"With all due respect, Jean should be sitting next to us to answer some questions perhaps, because I think they didn't change anything on the Monday," said the Mercedes driver.

"So the message that was sent still remains the same."

 

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

2 hours ago

Chris Rea - A life driven by passion

Legendary British songwriter and singer Chris Rea passed away on Sunday at the age of…

2 hours ago

Villeneuve: Hadjar the right fit alongside Verstappen - ‘It works well’

Jacques Villeneuve has seen enough rising stars – and enough false dawns – to know…

3 hours ago

Verstappen breaks silence on Mercedes talks and Red Bull loyalty

Months after speculation of a shock Mercedes move flared and faded, Max Verstappen has offered…

4 hours ago

‘A vindication’: Sainz says 2025 results justify gamble with Williams

What once looked like a sideways step for Carlos Sainz has instead become a statement…

5 hours ago

Mintzlaff opens up on why Red Bull clipped Horner’s wings

Red Bull’s power corridors rarely echo with sentimentality – and the energy drink company’s managing…

20 hours ago