Mercedes: Hamilton's Hungary chat with Whiting "regrettable"

In the wake of Nico Rosberg snatching pole position despite double yellow flags coming out, Hamilton went to speak to Whiting to clarify what the implications of that matter was.

Although the FIA did later launch an investigation into Rosberg's lap, and eventually confirmed he had done nothing wrong, Hamilton was adamant that his conversations with Whiting did not prompt this.

Speaking at the German Grand Prix on Friday, Lowe said that the team would have preferred for Hamilton to have asked the outfit to liaise with Whiting on his behalf.

"It's my understanding that Lewis did go and see Charlie but it wasn't in any way to seek a review of Nico's lap – it was for his own understanding of what should be done in the future, how that should work for him in the future," explained Lowe.

"I think that was regrettable.

"Personally, he should have kept to advice from the team and we can obtain that from Charlie as necessary.

"But I don't think there was any harm done. It was just a misjudgement from that point of view."

No big issue

Whiting said at Hockenheim on Friday that the long delay in deciding to formally investigate the matter had been caused by delays relating to other inquiries about the 107 percent rule rather than anything drivers had said.

He revealed that it was only when stewards watched a different camera angle of the incident that they felt the matter warranted speaking to Rosberg directly.

"We looked at it first off and the stewards said we think it was fine," he said. "There was lots of discussions about 107 precent, and we decided to have another look at it.

"The stewards felt looking at it from a different camera that maybe we need to have a chat with Nico, and we did.

"They accepted his explanation and that was that. I don't see a big issue there personally. I would rather they be thorough and get it right, than rush it and get it wrong."