Haug insists no friction at McLaren

World champion Fernando Alonso said earlier this week he had not felt totally comfortable at McLaren since he joined the British squad and suggested teammate Lewis Hamilton was getting more help.

The Briton admitted he was surprised by Alonso's comments and did not agree with the Spaniard's view.

Haug said on Friday that their drivers are free to speak their minds, but he reckons that doesn't mean there is tension within the team.

"We in the past very often were criticised that we tried to steer the drivers to tell them what to tell the outside world," said Haug at Indianapolis.

"We have a situation where they speak their mind, but there is no friction in the team. It is very, very balanced and I cannot see any of these frictions.

"There is competition, you share the data after practice is over and there is a good approach. You go step by step and I feel the atmosphere is good. Of course sometimes you need to improve and you need to push, but this brings you forward.

"It is a positive surrounding and I think Ron (Dennis) is strong enough to influence the whole situation, and of course Martin (Whitmarsh) and I help where we can. We have a positive influence, but it is not a subject like it has been described in the outside world. 

"If you look at our track record in the last couple of races I honestly do not think with bad feelings you can achieve that."

Haug also claimed he was not worried about Alonso and Hamilton taking points off each other in their championship battle, despite being closely matched in terms of pace.

"If the drivers are pushing each other in a positive way, and that is what we are experiencing, I cannot see they are taking points away from each other," he said.

"We are not the guys who think now we have done it, we think we have a good starting base now but we would never underestimate Ferrari.

"They were strong today and will be strong in the future. Other teams are pushing, we have world champions Renault, they will be back I am convinced, and BMW are impressive.

"We have a very good season, we achieved a good basis so far and of course I would have no complaints if the next two thirds of the season work out like the first one.

"The team is working well together, the drivers are working well together and that is what it is all about."