Lewis Hamilton doubles down on savage Charles Leclerc comments in Sao Paulo press conference
Lewis Hamilton has refused to apologise for speaking his mind following his opening-lap collision with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
It was an eventful race in Mexico on Sunday. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli took the final podium position to become the youngest Formula One world champion in history at the age of 20.
But the headlines belonged to Hamilton and Leclerc after things got heated at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez - both during and after the race.
Advert
Hamilton was ahead of his Ferrari teammate going into turn four of the opening lap when Leclerc left the track and gained an advantage after carrying too much speed into the corner.
Leclerc then decided against handing the place back to his Scuderia colleague. As a result, Hamilton was furious on the team radio, claiming he "got pushed out by my own teammate".
In fact, an angry Hamilton claimed after the race that Leclerc's antics ultimately cost Ferrari a victory, as he accused his teammate of “working against” him.
"The guy's 28 years old, so I don't think it's an age thing," said Hamilton. "I think it's a mentality thing. It's like 'do or die. Like either I win or none of us do', and it shouldn't be that."
Hamilton added: "It should be us getting that one-two because it's still a good feeling."
Lewis Hamilton stands by Charles Leclerc criticism as he makes strong statement in Sao Paulo
Last weekend, the Brit claimed that they would take things "offline" and talk about the situation. So, have they managed to patch things up? Well, it appears Hamilton is still not happy with what happened in Mexico.
Speaking at the Sao Paulo press conference on Thursday, Hamilton was asked whether he feels Leclerc races him more aggressively than other drivers. He simply replied: "Yes."
Hamilton was pressed to expand on his answer, but refused. "I can't say more," he said.
The seven-time world champion also refused to apologise amid reports that his comments have caused unrest within the team.
“I don’t really care what everyone thinks about what I said, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I say how I feel in the moment,” he said. “Of course there’s sometimes you say things and maybe you might regret it afterwards. I don’t.
“I’m never going to apologise for being authentic and real and I’m not going to be silenced. I have not been asked to not say anything and that’s just the way it is.”
Asked whether Leclerc fights him harder than other drivers, Hamilton's answer spoke volumes.
“Yes. I can see what you see," he said. “In Singapore, he was fully alongside Max, wheel-to-wheel, fully on the inside, and he backed off."
Hamilton added: "It is definitely different, but if you look at the team-mates it was the same with Sebastian (Vettel), it was the same with Carlos (Sainz).”
Lewis Hamilton speaks out on relationship with Charles Leclerc
As well as the above, Hamilton opened up on his relationship with Leclerc, who appeared to aim a subtle dig at the latter in what was his first message since the Mexico City Grand Prix controversy.
"He has been here a long time," said Hamilton, as per Autoracer. "He's at eight years. Nine wins in the team. He's very much embedded within the team, and I knew that it would always be a challenge.
"I've always respected that, and I've approached the team. I've really worked hard to build a good relationship with Charles and bridge the gap and make sure that we're harmonious. We work hard together. Always try to be respectful.
"Naturally, it's not so easy having someone like me come into a team because I'm very outspoken, and I push and push and push and push for so many changes."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Jack Kenmare
