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Ferrari doesn't want war of words with Mercedes

Ferrari says it is not interested in getting involved in a war of words with Formula 1 title rivals Mercedes despite the controversy of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Niki Lauda, Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman and Maurizio Arrivabene, Ferrari Team Principal

Niki Lauda, Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman and Maurizio Arrivabene, Ferrari Team Principal

XPB Images

 Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal, Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W08, leads Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 F1 W08  leads Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H at the restart
Niki Lauda, Mercedes AMG F1 Non-Executive Chairman
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H

Both Mercedes and Ferrari drivers collided in the Baku race – with Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen coming together on the opening lap, and Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel coming to blows behind the safety car

But despite some strong words from Mercedes’ drivers and team management bout what happened, Ferrari has said it has more important things to do than discuss what happened.

Speaking to Sky’s Italian F1 channel after the race, Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene said: “We will do an analysis of the race, but we will not complain because it is not our style.

“But from what happened between Bottas and Raikkonen, and then afterwards the episode of Vettel [with Hamilton], are we in F1 or the Colosseum? If we are at the Colosseum then just say – and we can do a famous technical directive and we can all follow that.

“Having said all that, we fought hard and in Austria we will try again more determined than before – because we talk a little and work a lot."

When asked for his feelings on whether he agreed with Sebastian Vettel that Hamilton should have been penalised for slowing in front of his driver, Arrivabene said: “Criticising as well may seem inelegant, or an excuse on our part.

“That said, you have to judge the situation exactly as it is and when in doubt, give Ferrari the benefit of the doubt. The important thing is to look forward and make sure that things are right.”

“There was a beautiful demonstration today, when the boys were thrown on Raikkonen’s car – preparing it in no time at all and sending it back out to take advantage of the red flag. This is the Ferrari I know; this is a team that will never give up and will continue to never give up in sporting terms.”

And while Niki Lauda spoke publicly in criticising Vettel – suggesting that the four-time champion will ultimately realise he was wrong because Hamilton had the right to dictate the pace behind the safety car – Arrivabene was not interested in responding.

"Lauda can say whatever he wants,” said Arrivabene. “Sometimes he speaks for himself, sometimes he even talks to us.

“But as I said before, we are silent. We work and we let Lauda talk. He has his points of view, us our and we'll see you in Austria.

“He will continue to speak, we will continue to listen to it. Perfect. There are still 12 races to go.”

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