McLaren gags Hamilton after Sutil's "coward" slur
McLaren on Wednesday stopped Lewis Hamilton from responding to former friend Adrian Sutil's "coward" accusation.
Sutil, the 2008 world champion's former F3 teammate, has been Hamilton's closest friend in the paddock throughout their subsequent Formula One careers.
But the German slammed his British rival for being "not a man" this week after Hamilton declined to appear as a witness at Sutil's assault trial in Munich.
Despite sitting alongside Sutil in the Shanghai nightclub last April, Hamilton claimed in a written statement to the court he could not remember the details of the alleged assault on Lotus team executive Eric Lux.
What I have decided to do this year is just focus on the most important thing and that's racing.
"I do not want to be friends with someone like that," Sutil, referring to Hamilton, said after receiving a 18-month suspended jail term and EUR 200,000 fine for grievous bodily harm.
A reporter asked Hamilton about Sutil's anger following the launch on Wednesday of the 2012 McLaren car.
Before the Briton could answer, a McLaren spokesman intervened: "We've been told that Lewis shouldn't really go there because it (the conviction) might go under appeal.
"So can we move on to the next question," he added.
Hamilton told the reporter: "I'll listen to him."
The winner of 17 Grands Prix had a tumultuous season on and off the track in 2011 but on Wednesday thanked McLaren for granting him a long winter break that left him feeling "fresh" for the new year.
"What I have decided to do this year is just focus on the most important thing and that's racing," said Hamilton.
He also hopes to quickly ease rumours about his expiring McLaren contract.
"I think probably after the first couple of races it's something we will probably want to get out of the way so we can focus on the rest of the year without the team being concerned and without it being something that's just hanging around for us.
"Then you guys won't be having to ask questions about it," he smiled to reporters.
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Lewis Hamilton “lucky to make it round” after Spanish GP brake failure
Red Bull defends decision to force Max Verstappen to give back two positions
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
Mercedes explains why George Russell pitted under VSC at Madring
Kimi Antonelli's Spanish GP win will still "sting", says James Hinchcliffe
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
The NASCAR Trucks Chase is about The Big Three, but who else?
Andrea Stella: McLaren must help Oscar Piastri stop "thinking" about how to drive '26 F1 car
Gateway was a race of opportunity for drivers with several posting season-best results
Christian Rasmussen reunites with Era Motorsport for IMSA’s Indianapolis sprint round
F1 doesn't need to change its VSC rules despite Lando Norris' Spain loss
Why Lando Norris doesn’t buy George Russell’s driving style theory
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
How Norris unfurled a surprising - and "unrepeatable" - Spanish GP pole lap
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments