LONDON - Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton denied reports he was "at war" with McLaren team mate Fernando Alonso following Monday's (NZ time) controversial Hungarian Grand Prix.
"For the record, Fernando and I are fiercely competitive and respectful of each other. We are both ambitious drivers whowant to win. However, we are not drivers at war, as has been widely reported," British rookie Hamilton, who won Monday's race, said in a statement.
"Although we did not speak on Sunday (Monday), we have spoken a few times since the weekend and we continue to have a professional working relationship.
"In fact, Fernando and I plan to meet up over the holiday period (in August)."
After winning three races in his record-breaking debut season, Hamilton leads the title race with 80 points to Spaniard Alonso's 73.
Hamilton's McLaren team also issued a statement to "correct one important matter of untrue critical commentary" that the driver had not used the `F' word while speaking to team boss Ron Dennis over the radio after qualifying at the Hungaroring last Sunday.
The statement said: "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."
In the controversial qualifying session, Spaniard Alonso appeared to deliberately block Hamilton's exit from the pits to gain an advantage, and with it pole position.
Alonso clocked the fastest time but was then given a five-place grid penalty by the race stewards.
Hamilton said: "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."
