OCTOBER 13, 2011

Humble Hamilton wants Massa rapprochement

Lewis Hamilton says he has no problem with Felipe Massa and shouldered responsibility for their latest coming-together in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Hamilton and Massa seemed to have mutual respect and a decent relationship while they fought for the 2008 world championship, decided of course in Lewis's favour in the final seconds of the dramatic last round at Interlagos.

Recently though, Massa seems to have lost patience with Hamilton, saying after Suzuka that there was no point trying to talk to him, "because he doesn't listen."

Hamilton responded in Korea: "The situation has not been great for some time now. I've always had respect for him and still do irrespective of the negative comments he's always coming up with.

"It's easy to say things in the heat of the moment. I have tried to show respect and I'm sorry for the last race. I really didn't see him but I've seen the replay now and he was quite far up alongside me but I didn't see a thing in mirrors.

"I've been in the wrong place in the last few races and have had the car to be further up ahead. If I was doing the job I probably wouldn't be in that situation with Felipe. Hopefully in the future we can put our guards down. I'm cool with him and I hope he can be cool with me."