From GMM

Team Renault Formula 1 director Flavio Briatore has continued to back-paddle after recently slamming McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in an Italian newspaper interview.

The Renault boss reportedly asked an aide to pass on his apologies to Hamilton, 23, at the Chinese grand prix, after La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted him as predicting the over-hyped Briton will "throw away" the 2008 title.

But The Sun in Britain now quotes Briatore as saying of the championship leader: "Last year he lost 17 points in two races. He has learned from last year.

"When you are fighting for the championship you need to look at the points, not only the victories.

"He has much more chance than anybody. But if I am asked to gamble, then I will gamble on Massa because that will pay me more if I win."


Photo Credit : McLaren