The FIA is keeping a close eye on the aftermath of Lewis Hamilton’s Monaco grand prix.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the FIA told the Telegraph on Monday that it was “gathering all the relevant information” about the incident.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In his post-race tirade, Hamilton had labelled the pair “ridiculous” and “stupid”.<\/p>\n
“Hey guys,” he wrote.\u00a0 “I wanted to apologise for last weekend’s performance and also my comments after, I never meant to offend.”<\/p>\n
The Briton said he had “respect” for some of the “angry messages” he had received since Sunday.<\/p>\n
“To Massa and Maldonado, with the greatest respect I apologise if I offended you.\u00a0 Both of you are fantastic drivers who I regard highly.<\/p>\n
“To my fans lost and my fans won, I wish you nothing but love and happiness,” he tweeted.<\/p>\n
Quoted by British newspapers, meanwhile, Hamilton explained that his loss of temper was a reflection of his racing style.<\/p>\n
“I don’t do it to offend people or to hurt anyone.\u00a0 I do it because I love racing.\u00a0 I feel like I can do it better than others,” he said.<\/p>\n
He also said his desire to succeed in Monaco, the past playground of his hero Ayrton Senna, is higher than ever.<\/p>\n
“In my heart of hearts I believe I can own this circuit,” said Hamilton.\u00a0 “I feel like I can be the fastest here.\u00a0 I was, and not with the fastest car.”<\/p>\n
Fascinatingly, he also revealed that his defiance began long before he spoke with reporters after the chequered flag on Sunday.<\/p>\n
“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.\u00a0 “The first pitstop I was asked to pit and no one was there.\u00a0 So all the tension just boiled up.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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