27/11/2011
NEWS STORY
Taking advantage of the end of term atmosphere at Interlagos, Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa have made peace.
The two drivers have had a number of clashes this season, on track, off track and in the media, leading to some describing it as a feud. Indeed, some were concerned that the continued clashes might end in something more serious.
First it was Monaco, then Silverstone, Singapore and then India, and as Hamilton closed in on the struggling Brazilian during today's event many feared we were in for the latest instalment in this sorry saga that has come to typify both drivers frustration this season. However, thankfully it was not to be.
As F1 broke up for the winter, just moments after the Brazilian had performed (illegal) do-nuts for the crowd, Hamilton sought him out in an attempt to bury the hatchet. The McLaren driver walked over to his Ferrari rival, spoke a few private words, smiled and moments later the two were hugging and back-slapping one another.
"It's been a long hard year for all the drivers and I hope they all have a good winter," the Englishman subsequently told reporters. "It was good to have a nice chat with Felipe after the race. I have great respect for him and I'm already looking forward to racing him again next year."
"I want to say I was pleased that Lewis came round to see me while I was talking to the journalists," said Massa, "it was a very nice gesture on his part."
Bless.