F1 London

Alonso was incensed following the European Grand Prix in Valencia after watching Hamilton claim second, despite overtaking a safety car deployed in the wake of Mark Webber’s spectacular accident.

Hamilton was given a drive-through penalty, yet served it 17 laps after the Webber smash due to circumstances, whilst Alonso trailed home eighth.

Alonso, who had been running third in his Ferrari behind Hamilton when the safety car incident occurred, later claimed the race had been “manipulated” and the Briton had disrespected the rules.

For his part, Hamilton claimed Alonso’s comments were sour grapes as old wounds, initially inflicted from their torrid time as team -mates at McLaren in 2007, were re-opened.

To ensure, though, there was no lingering animosity between the duo heading into this weekend’s British Grand Prix, Hamilton opted to contact Alonso.