Hamilton says he is 'cool' with Massa despite recent criticism from the Brazilian

[Sianellen]

By Jonathan Noble and Pablo Elizalde Thursday, October 13th 2011, 07:26 GMT

Lewis Hamilton, McLarenLewis Hamilton says he has no problems with Felipe Massa despite the criticism the Briton has been subject to by the Brazilian in recent races.

Massa has been critical of the McLaren driver after clashing in Singapore and again at the Japanese Grand Prix, where the duo made contact as the Ferrari driver tried to overtake his rival.

Despite Massa's comments, Hamilton said on Thursday in Korean he still has no issues with the Brazilian.

"Of course, the situation has not been great for some time now, but I think I've always had respect for Felipe and I still do today regardless of the negative comments that he is coming out with," said Hamilton.

"It is easy in this sport when you are competitive and in the heat of the moment to say things you don't mean.

"Whether or not he does mean them, regardless, I have tried to show respect and particularly in the last race... I am really sorry for that, I really didn't see him, and I saw the replay: he was quite far up alongside me, out of my mirrors and I could not see anything, so by the time I saw him it was too late.

"I've been I the wrong place in the last few races. I had the car to be a bit further ahead. Perhaps if I was doing the right job I wouldn't be in this situation with Felipe, but all respect due and I hope in the future we can put our guards down and he can be cool with me. I am cool with him."

Reacting to Hamilton's comments, Massa said he had nothing to add about his problems with him, and vowed to move on.

"I have nothing to say. The only thing is that, we always need to think about moving forward. I really saw many mistakes from him, and that is it. I tried to speak to him, he didn't want it, and to be honest I don't care anymore. I will not go and speak to him. I will carry on doing my job like always, so it is okay. I always look to the future."

The Ferrari also driver ruled out complaining officially to the FIA.

"No, no. For sure, the only thing that is important is to be consistent. We saw some penalties, even for less things than the last race, and even Lewis has also excused himself. So, that is the only thing - to be consistent with the FIA penalties. There is nothing more than that to say."

And, amid suggestions from McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh that mirror rules may need tweaking in order to allow drivers to see better what's behind them, Massa said he had no problems with the current mirrors.

"I can see everything, no problem. In my car I don't have a problem to be honest, so..."


http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/95307

(Wasn't sure about making this a thread as I posted some Yahoo quotes that are the same in another thread, think this one has more though)

[Tifosi]

Such a shame then that Felipe probably thinks Lewis is an absolute tit!

[Stormsearcher]

This is the same rubbish lewis was spewing during 2007 against Nando. He acts the innocent bystander bit, the nice homely boy whom everyone has misunderstood but is a gem at heart and very forgiving. Cant believe he is still pulling that stunt after 4 yrs. By now people know how political and cunning he is.

[Ken]

My my it seems too easy for him to say that, after all its not like his races were spoiled by Massa

[coolrunnings_99]

Its also true, that Lewser finishes races, miles ahead of Massa, with all the penalty galore, and broken down car parts in both cases.
Miles ahead.

[Hornet]

Lewis is no slow driver, that's for sure. His only problem is he's too aggressive and probably too confident. Its all in his head

If he could get himself together, he could be a serious threat.

[Ferrari_Fanatic]

Oct.14 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton appears to have lost patience with Felipe Massa in Korea, as their spat in the wake of recent collisions rumbled on.
After their latest crash in Japan, the beleaguered McLaren driver changed his tone to an inward-looking conciliatory one, insisting he has high respect for his 2008 championship rival.
Hamilton, 26, even issued apologies in the media, but La Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Massa as saying on Thursday: “He has not apologised to me.”
And as for the claim that the mirrors in F1 are not good enough, Massa is quoted by Autosprint: “I think mine are ok.”
In light of the latest developments, Hamilton kept his cool but indicated it is the Ferrari driver who needs to start looking inwardly now.
“I think I’ve always had respect for Felipe and I still do today regardless of the negative comments that he is coming out with,” he told reporters.
“If he doesn’t want to be a grown-up about it, then that’s fine,” added Hamilton.
He openly admits 2011 has been the worst season in his recent motor racing career, and sounded pessimistic about turning around his form any time soon.
“It will take a lot to finally put aside all the difficulties I’ve had this year,” said Hamilton.
“When things go badly they get worse, just like dominoes. At some stage it will stop and things will get better. I will keep pushing and bouncing back until it happens.”

[Tifosi]

Its also true, that Lewser finishes races, miles ahead of Massa, with all the penalty galore, and broken down car parts in both cases.
Miles ahead.

maybe we need to hire his team mate then

[Katu]

“If he doesn’t want to be a grown-up about it, then that’s fine,” added Hamilton.

tell me again - who is the one creating accidents between them?

[Hermann]

“When things go badly they get worse, just like dominoes. At some stage it will stop and things will get better. I will keep pushing and bouncing back until it happens.”

Pseudo- Ronspeak to english:

'I will keep bumping into other cars until they give up on trying to fight me and just let me pass.'

The mentioning of dominos is omnious.

[Rob]

Such a shame then that Felipe probably thinks Lewis is an absolute tit!