Peace in the valley after Alonso, Hamilton clear the air over 'idiot' comment

Fernando Alonso collected a signed Lewis Hamilton cap in a show of apology to the Mercedes driver.

Alonso, 41, called Hamilton an "idiot" and said the Briton could only race from the front following a first-lap collision at Spa-Francorchamps.

On Thursday, Alpine's Alonso said he would issue a face-to-face apology to Hamilton while conducting their television interviews for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

But Hamilton, who addressed the written media 90 minutes after Alonso's print session, said: "We were standing right next to each other in the TV pen, but no, [he didn't apologise]. It is not a thing for me. It doesn't change anything or affect me in the slightest.

"I am always trying to be a better driver, and I know I have a lot of young kids following me on social media, and the steps I try to take in my behaviour are important. I am always trying to learn with that and be better."

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Alonso leaves Mercedes

However, moments after Hamilton spoke, Alonso was pictured leaving the Mercedes motorhome armed with a black Mercedes cap, complete with Hamilton's signature, which had been reserved for the Spaniard.

It is understood Hamilton and Alonso spoke for a couple of minutes, with the latter apologising.

Following Alonso's radio outburst in Belgium last Sunday, Hamilton said he would not speak to the double world champion, and added: "It is nice to know how he feels about me."

But in an attempt to diffuse the row here in Zandvoort, Alonso withdrew his controversial remarks.

"When we are in the TV (interview) pen, I will approach Lewis and say sorry," said Alonso.

"Nothing I said is true, and there are facts that show the opposite. I have