© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Lewis Hamilton says issues between Ferrari and Mercedes, stemming from the Ferrari engine controversy, will not harm his relationship with Sebastian Vettel.
Earlier this week Mercedes and six other Formula 1 teams sent out a press release criticising the way the FIA handled the investigation into the legality of Ferrari’s 2019 power unit. Hamilton was asked if the problems between teams would affect his relationship with Sebastian Vettel.
“Between us, our respect has continued to grow over the years and that doesn’t change,” said the Briton.
“I think what goes on in the background between teams and the governing body, it’s a separate issue.”
Regarding the investigation itself, Hamilton added: “things could have been handled better, for sure. But that’s really something that should be directed to Toto [Wolff].”
“For us athletes, us drivers, you just want to arrive at the races, naturally all the teams are different in their performance, but you want to feel that you’re playing on fair grounds.
“So that’s the approach that we have and I don’t want to add much more because it’ll just cause more trouble.”
Vettel was also on hand and said he believes his team and the FIA on the matter.
“For me it’s very simple,” started Vettel.
“Obviously I trust my team to do the right thing within the regulations at all time. And I think we trust all of us, all drivers, the governing body, as in the FIA, to do their job for all teams on the grid. I think that’s probably the answer.”
The German also says the issue will not affect his relationship with Hamilton.
“For me it doesn’t change anything in terms of the relationship that I have with other drivers and in particular with Lewis.
“I think the respect that we share, we’ve grown over the years, is untouched and I don’t think it’s at threat,” concluded Vettel.
Source: racefans.net
