Hamilton to Verstappen: Respect yourself and Mind your language
Lewis Hamilton has called for more respect after the seven-time champion was called a ‘stupid idiot’ by title rival Max Verstappen.
Verstappen was left incensed with Hamilton during practice for the United States Grand Prix in Texas two weeks ago when the Mercedes driver overtook him on the inside, forcing him off the track.
The Dutchman, who has had a fierce rivalry with Hamilton all season, raged over team radio before firing a finger in the direction of his rival.
Verstappen and Hamilton, who are separated by 12 points heading into the final five races of the season, collided at Imola, Silverstone and Monza and their rivalry continues to run close to the edge.
But Hamilton did not take kindly to being labelled a ‘stupid idiot’ in Verstappen’s latest jibe and speaking from Mexico City, Hamilton demanded more respect from the other drivers.
Hamilton said: ‘I’ve been here for a long time, it’s not my first rodeo. I think at the core of everything, there has to be respect.
‘When I think about, and I hear the things that come out of drivers’ mouths, I do think there are kids watching us, and they’re looking to us for inspiration and for guidance.’
He added: ‘For me, I’m just trying to remain positive and keep calm, and again, just be respectful to the drivers that I am fighting.
‘If I have a name in my head of what I think they are, I don’t share that. But it’s pretty easy for me. You laugh it off, and you move forwards.’
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On Thursday Hamilton laughed off the suggestion that he would drive Verstappen off the track when it counted most in a desperate attempt to win the world title.
The defending champion was responding to no other than his Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s claim in Sportsmail this week, ‘that if it was to come to last race in Abu Dhabi and they were to be racing each other for the title, whoever is in front is absolutely going to try to do the same as in the Senna-Prost years.’
Ahead of this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, Hamilton said: ‘Firstly, I have not read what Toto said but I highly doubt he would insinuate that.