"We haven't spoken - and nor do I think we really need to" says world champ four days on from pre-podium 'cap spat' and on-track clash
Monday 2 November 2015 11:11, UK
Lewis Hamilton does not believe he needs to sit down with team-mate Nico Rosberg to discuss their fallout after the US GP.
As Hamilton celebrated clinching his third world title last Sunday, Rosberg was a picture of frustration as he threw his podium cap back at the race winner and then criticised Hamilton following a race in which his late mistake had gifted his team-mate the victory.
Rosberg argued that his team-mate's defence into Turn One at the start of the race, when they banged wheels, was "definitely one step too far". Mercedes boss Toto Wolff agreed that the move had been "very hard" and suggested the team's management he would sit down to talk to the drivers in the following days to ensure there was no lingering fallout from the incident.
However, four days on, Hamilton suggested that, from his side at least, talks were not necessary.
"We haven't spoken - and nor do I think we really need to," he said in Thursday's press conference in Mexico.
Asked why he felt that way, Hamilton stressed that he didn't have any complaints from last Sunday, but suggested he was nonetheless willing to listen to what Rosberg had to say in any meeting the team did call.
"The reason, for me, is just that I'm very easy going so I never really have any problems," he replied.
"If Toto feels that he needs to sit with Nico to see where his head's at - obviously we don't want any tension in the team. Generally we do often come together and keep it transparent.
"I don't really have anything to say about it, but I'm sure we will sit down and see what Nico's feeling and whatever emotions he has and try to dilute them and move on."
Evidence of Rosberg's annoyance with both the Turn One incident and then his own unforced race-costing error appeared to be illustrated by his reaction to Hamilton throwing him his cap for second place while they waited for the podium ceremony.
The cap landed on Rosberg's lap as he was sitting down, and after glancing at it briefly, the German threw it straight back in the direction of his team-mate.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ earlier on Thursday, Hamilton admitted the incident was "not something you expect to see from grown adults".
The team-mates now prepare to do battle on track again at this weekend's Mexican GP, a venue at which neither driver has performed at in their F1 careers before.
While Hamilton has already wrapped up the title, there remains unfinished business for Rosberg with the German in a battle for second place in the Drivers' Championship. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel currently holds a four point advantage.
Hamilton, who can equal the all-time record for 13 wins in a season if he keeps his winning run going to next month's Abu Dhabi finale, isn't expect the team to ask him to assist his team-mate's cause.
"The team have not asked me to support him in that role, I'm here to win the race," he said.
"The team have won the Constructors' Championship so I think from here on there's not really a huge benefit for the team for me to start helping. But we'll see what Toto wants me to do."
