McLaren: drivers' meeting 'constructive'

The duo stayed away from the Istanbul Park circuit on Thursday after the team felt it was better to hold meetings downtown rather than make the lengthy trek to the track.

In a statement issued by McLaren on Friday morning, the team confirmed that they met with Hamilton and Alonso independently - and that the two drivers then had their own get-together afterwards to try and put the events on Hungary behind them.

"The team has worked hard this season, and is currently leading both Formula One world championships," said the statement.

"The drivers clearly understand the team's approach of providing them, to the best of our ability, with equality and the same opportunity of winning.

"We discussed the events of Hungary with both drivers independently yesterday, following which Fernando and Lewis met in the hotel and found a constructive way forward.

"We are now turning our full attention to the Turkish Grand Prix and the rest of the season."

McLaren's decision to keep the drivers away from the track on Thursday did not go down well with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who said he was surprised at the team's move.

"Ron Dennis has a big problem on his hands trying to deal with two drivers who are truly hacked off with each other and both after the same thing," he told The Sun.

"And it was a bit disappointing and strange that the top two contenders were not available to talk.

"It's odd. I would have thought that McLaren's sponsors would want to see them in the media."