Hamilton coy on Verstappen 'trust' ahead of Abu Dhabi F1 finale
Hamilton coy on Verstappen 'trust' ahead of Abu Dhabi F1 finale
Lewis Hamilton has refused to state he '100 per cent trusts' Max Verstappen to race cleanly in the F1 title showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton arrives at the Yas Marina Circuit level on points with Red Bull driver Verstappen, trailing only on the countback of race wins.
The season has so far been punctuated by a number of clashes between the title rivals with Verstappen punished for incidents in Italy and Saudi Arabia, whilst the Dutchman's actions also courted controversy in Brazil.
With concerns raised that the title may not be won in the 'right way' and FIA race director Michael Masi highlighting that the governing body has the power to impose points deductions should the situation require so, Hamilton was asked if he could place 100 per cent trust on his rival.
"Er...as I said, just going into the weekend, I don't put any energy towards that sort of thing," said Hamilton.
"At the end of the day, I do believe that everyone here racing comes to win. I would like to believe everyone wants to do it the right way so I don't let that creep into my mind."
Asked if he has lingering concerns that the championship may not be won fairly, Hamilton added: "Honestly, I just don't give it any energy.
"I'm here to do the best job I can with this incredible team and going back to it again, we never thought that we would be neck and neck going into the last race.
"We've had an amazing recovery collectively as a team and we've been in a great position these last few races so we go full steam ahead with that same focus, and we don't waste energy on things that are out of our control."
During last weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton referred to his title rival as "f***ing crazy" but when faced with these remarks sat next to Verstappen, the seven-time champion backpedalled.
"Honestly, when we're in the races we will say all sorts of things because we're in the heat of the moment, adrenaline is firing, your emotions are on edge, so yeah, I would say it was a figure of speech.
"I think ultimately, as drivers we're all a bit crazy to be able to do what we do and take the risks that we do."
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F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
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