Alonso apologises for calling Hamilton ‘an idiot’ following Belgian GP crash

Fernando Alonso has apologised to Lewis Hamilton after the pair clashed on track at the Belgian Grand Prix. Before this week’s Dutch GP, the Spaniard admitted he was wrong in calling Hamilton “an idiot” and questioning his driving skill. Hamilton said he had not spoken to Alonso but insisted he had already dismissed the row.

The two drivers endured a trying year as teammates at McLaren when Hamilton made his F1 debut in 2007. They have since enjoyed a good relationship on and off track but at Spa Alonso was furious when Hamilton hit him while attempting to pass at Les Combes.

The clash ended Hamilton’s race and over team radio Alonso referred to him as an idiot for causing the collision and said the Mercedes driver only knew how to drive when starting at the front.

Hamiltonconceded the incident had been his fault. Alonso said he would speak to Hamilton at Zandvoort on Thursday but when asked, Hamilton said they had not conversed. “We were standing right next to each other in the TV pen but no,” he said. “It’s not a thing for me. It doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t really affect me in the slightest.”

Earlier in the week Hamilton had prepared a signed Mercedes cap to give to Alonso – which Mercedes showed on social media – with the words “For Fernando” written on it and which was duly given to Alonso. Hamilton said he wanted to set an example of behaving in a sporting fashion.

“With the cap it was just a little fun thing. It’s good to have fun sometimes with these things,” he said. “I am always trying to be a better driver, also I know there are a lot of young kids that are following me and it’s important the steps I try to take in my behaviour so I am always trying to learn and be better.”

The four-time F1 champion