Mercedes boss Toto Wolff rubbished rumors that Lewis Hamilton had fallen out with the Austrian in Melbourne following Wolff's initial opposition to the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
McLaren's withdrawal from F1's season opening round on the Thursday, when one of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus, triggered a series of meetings to decide the race's fate.
As F1 and the teams considered moving ahead with the curtain-raiser or an outright cancellation, Hamilton expressed in no uncertain terms F1's then decision to run the race as scheduled.
"I am very, very surprised we are here," the six-time world champion told the media on the Thursday. "I think it’s great that we can have races, but for me it’s shocking that we’re all sitting in this room."
Hamilton then said that "cash is king" for F1, adding "I don't feel like I should shy from the fact of my opinion."
A rumor later emerge that behind the scenes, Hamilton was displeased by Wolff's support for the race taking place, a stance the Mercedes boss later changed following a phone conversation with Daimler chairman Ola Källenius who believed that Mercedes could suffer reputational damage if it raced in Melbourne.
However, speaking to Austrian newspaper Osterreich, Wolff denied any friction with Hamilton.
"Total nonsense! Lewis and I were in conversation every second in Australia, and also on that night when the cancellation occurred," Wolff explained.
"We also speak to each other every other day. Our relationship is closer than ever. We also talk about our future every day. But there is nothing dramatic about it.
"Everything indicates that we will continue in a similar form as today."
Hamilton has yet to decide his future in F1 beyond 2020, but Wolff is also in contract negotiations with Mercedes, although talks have temporarily been "pushed into the background" as F1 deals with the coronavirus crisis.
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Many F1 drivers have stared danger in the face, but few moments in the sport’s…
Carroll Shelby was born on this day in 1923, and while the great Texan is…
Nick Cassidy delivered to Citroen Racing its maiden ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in…
Franco Colapinto endured a tough season with Alpine in 2025, but inside Enstone the message…
As Williams continues its steady ascent under the leadership of James Vowles, the Grove-based outfit…
In the world of Formula 1, where career ladders are often climbed with ruthless ambition,…