McLAREN STATEMENT
Woking, UK, Thursday 9th August 2007: Over the last few days
there has been some inaccurate and misleading reporting of
certain events which transpired during the qualification for
the Hungarian Grand Prix. Whilst the team would normally not
comment on such speculation, Lewis has asked us to correct
one important matter of untrue critical commentary. It has
been reported that Lewis used the “F word” to
Ron Dennis over the team radio immediately after the qualification
session had been completed. 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 any conversation with the team. The team and
Lewis are extremely disappointed that the use of the “F
word” appears to have been invented and repeated to
the media.
Lewis has requested that the team issues the following statement
on his behalf:
“For the record, Fernando and I are fiercely competitive
and respectful of each other. We are both ambitious drivers
who want to win. However, we are not drivers at war, as has
been widely reported.
Although we did not speak on Sunday we have spoken since
the weekend and continue to have a professional working relationship.
In fact, Fernando and I plan to meet up over the holiday period.
As an individual in my first year in Formula 1 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, and those are open to public scrutiny. I have my
own regrets and have dealt with matters arising. However,
it is disappointing that inflammatory and untrue material
is given to the media and published which may damage reputations.
This inflammatory material is then commentated on by many
others as if it is factual.
Whilst I wouldn't normally communicate through press statements,
I felt it important to set this matter straight."
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