F1: Baffled Gutierrez plans Ricciardo discussion

Esteban Gutierrez plans to clear the air with Daniel Ricciardo after coming under fire for his blue-flag handling for the second Formula 1 grand prix in succession.

Gutierrez received an abusive hand gesture from Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian GP as the reigning world champion made clear his displeasure at being held up when lapping the Haas driver.

A week later in Germany, Gutierrez found himself criticized post-race by Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, with the Australian suggesting the Mexican had not heeded previous warnings from drivers' briefings.

Ricciardo said: "Off track I have no problem at all with Esteban. He's actually one of the nicer guys. But on track just lately, it's come up the last few races a few of us haven't been that impressed with [his response to] the blue flags. We've discussed it in drivers' meetings.

"I've been in the position and I know it sucks to move off line and let the leaders through. It seems the last three races in a row everyone is doing an OK job, but it seems like he's doing not as good a job as the others. A bit of frustration, obviously.

"He's been told already. He knows a few aren't that impressed with his blue-flag handling. I thought by now the message would have gone through. For me at least, today I lost more time behind him than anyone else."

When asked about Ricciardo's remarks, Gutierrez expressed bemusement.

"I will speak to him," said Gutierrez. "I'm surprised. I saw he was behind, but he was pretty far away.

"I came out of the pit for the final stint on new tires, with Daniel behind, and yes I was [on] cold [tires], but he was not close enough. He was struggling to get close to me, and then at some point I lifted completely and I let him by when he was a bit closer. I lost around two seconds.

"I did my best. It was not my intention to block or anything. If he is not comfortable with it, I will try to speak to him and make things better. It's not my intention to do anything bad to anyone."

Gutierrez denied Ricciardo's suggestion his driving had previously come under discussion.

"There was my discussion with Lewis, but apart from that... [shrugs shoulders]," he said. "I got penalized in that race. What else can I do? I got the consequence, today I wasn't penalized. There was nothing wrong. It's not like I was blocking."

Gutierrez has confirmed he and Hamilton, who he claimed was "disrespectful" with his gesture, have now made amends.

"We resolved that. Definitely, completely, and he was happy with my explanation," said Gutierrez. "He also offered an apology, and I explained my case as well."

Originally on Autosport.com