Formula 1
FIA 'gathering information' after Hamilton outburst
By: GMM
GMM
Edited: May 31, 2011, 2:26 PM
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The FIA is keeping a close eye on the aftermath of Lewis Hamilton's Monaco grand prix.
After the McLaren driver's two penalties for crashes in the Principality, he returned to the track late on Sunday to explain his 'Ali G' remark to the stewards.
FIA investigating Hamilton's Monaco outburst
Photo by: xpb.cc
It is believed the British team feared Hamilton, 26, was in danger of being charged of contravening Article 151c by bringing the sport into disrepute.
Indeed, the FIA told the Telegraph on Monday that it was "gathering all the relevant information" about the incident.
So also on Monday, the 2008 world champion appeared in British newspapers with further explanations of the Monaco aftermath, and apologised to Pastor Maldonado and Felipe Massa via his Twitter account.
In his post-race tirade, Hamilton had labelled the pair "ridiculous" and "stupid".
"Hey guys," he wrote. "I wanted to apologise for last weekend's performance and also my comments after, I never meant to offend."
The Briton said he had "respect" for some of the "angry messages" he had received since Sunday. "To Massa and Maldonado, with the greatest respect I apologise if I offended you. Both of you are fantastic drivers who I regard highly.
"To my fans lost and my fans won, I wish you nothing but love and happiness," he tweeted. Quoted by British newspapers, meanwhile, Hamilton explained that his loss of temper was a reflection of his racing style.
"I don't do it to offend people or to hurt anyone. I do it because I love racing. I feel like I can do it better than others," he said.
He also said his desire to succeed in Monaco, the past playground of his hero Ayrton Senna, is higher than ever.
I was asked to come in and retire, and I refused
Lewis Hamilton
"In my heart of hearts I believe I can own this circuit," said Hamilton. "I feel like I can be the fastest here. I was, and not with the fastest car."
Fascinatingly, he also revealed that his defiance began long before he spoke with reporters after the chequered flag on Sunday.
"I got hit (in the race) and my rear wing was hanging off and I was asked to come in and retire, and I refused," said Hamilton. "The first pitstop I was asked to pit and no one was there. So all the tension just boiled up."
Perhaps tellingly, Jenson Button declined to comment on his teammate's weekend, and when told he is aware of Hamilton's character he responded: "No, I don't."
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