Hamilton calls for 'respect' as politics threaten to overshadow F1 title fight

Lewis Hamilton has urged Mercedes and Red Bull to rediscover "respect" due to the off-track squabbling that is beginning to overshadow a thrilling title fight.

After seven years of Mercedes dominance, Red Bull and Max Verstappen are taking the fight to the Silver Arrows this season as 11 points separate the rival teams in the constructors' championship, with Hamilton 14 adrift of the Dutchman in the drivers' standings.

Off-track, there are currently "mortar shells going in both directions", according to Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have become embroiled in a slanging match.

Asked if the rising tensions could overshadow the battle between Verstappen and himself, Hamilton answered: "I don't think so.

"It is what sport is, right? It is intense, the battle on and off-track... I hope not.

"There is no reason why, as men, it can't be discussed and figured out. At the end of the day, respect is definitely important, that we remain respectful of each other on and off track."

Faced with a similar question, Verstappen said: "It is quite normal when it is between two teams instead of just one team.

"Yeah, I just have to focus on what is happening on track, of course, the rest will be dealt with.

"To be honest, I don't think about it too much because it is also not in my hands. I am the driver and I just need to focus on what is happening on track."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Mercedes’ secret weapon behind Antonelli title charge revealed

• 44 minutes ago

Red Bull F1 problems are beginning to look cultural and not technical

• 1 hour ago

Ferrari can correct Lewis Hamilton mistake with Max Verstappen signing

• 2 hours ago

F1 News Today: Verstappen to Mercedes could fall apart as Russell behaviour called out

• 3 hours ago

F1 Drive to Survive star opens up on stroke battle: 'I had to relearn how to write'

• Yesterday 22:42

F1 insider says Max Verstappen to Mercedes deal could fall apart due to Kimi Antonelli

• Yesterday 21:55