AUGUST 9, 2007

I didn't give a ...

Lewis Hamilton says that he did not use "the F word" to Ron Dennis in Hungary and would like the world to know that he is still a thoroughly wholesome fellow and that things are now calming down with Fernando Alonso as well.

"For the record, Fernando and I are fiercely competitive and respectful of each other," he said, by way of a McLaren statement. "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.

"I felt it important to set this matter straight."