Hamilton rules out joining strike

The McLaren driver was one of several leading contenders to voice his concerns about the rising cost of mandatory superlicences this year, amid speculation that there could be a boycott of sorts at Silverstone next month.

But Hamilton issued a clarification on Friday morning at Magny-Cours, saying he would not be joining any militant action at his home race.

"In the FIA press conference at Magny-Cours on Thursday June 19, I expressed my support for whatever decisions the drivers may take, on the basis that my support could be critical," said Hamilton, who is not a member of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), in statement.

"I am not involved in any strike talks; that is not my position. I am here to race; to do my job for the team, for myself and for the fans of Formula One.

"To put my comment in the correct perspective, another driver said, 'I think it will be difficult to get all the drivers to have the same idea, but we're trying to convince the FIA to reduce the cost.'

"I then responded, 'I've always said that they have my support; and it's something I agree with as well.'

"In any case, I don't believe for one minute that the drivers will take such drastic measures. We have the British Grand Prix in a couple of weeks' time and other Grands Prix to follow, and I'm certainly not planning on missing any of them."

GPDA directors Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber have also played down talk of strike action in a bid to bring the matter to a head, but stressed how seriously they are taking the issue.

"It's absolutely clear that we are not happy with the superlicence situation and how much they charge, but I find it very unrealistic that we won't race," Webber told autosport.com.

The matter is likely to be discussed in this evening's GPDA meeting at Magny-Cours.