Hamilton: "It's likely you'll come together with Max if you don't give him space"
F1 News
Lewis Hamilton has admitted he gives Max Verstappen "extra space" when the two come race together on track. The Mercedes driver won Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, but not without a tangle with Verstappen in the opening corner. The Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver tried to pass Hamilton, but the two drivers got in each others way and had to travel across the grass.
Sebastian Vettel also admitted he gives Verstappen extra room when racing against the 22-year-old. In the press conference following the race, Hamilton was asked directly if he treats Verstappen differently to other drivers. Hamilton reacted with a blunt "yep".
"Every driver is slightly different, some are smarter, some are very smart aggressive, some are silly with it, through those experiences with racing with people you give some more space than others. But yeah, Max, it's very likely you'll come together with Max if you don't give him extra space," Hamilton said.
"Most of the time you do. In my experience, I didn't have extra space to give him extra space but I don't think it was intentional. Nonetheless, I managed to keep the car in a straight line."
The press attention then turned to Vettel who came 2nd in the Mexican Grand Prix. He was asked if he gives Verstappen extra space. He directly said "copy and paste [Hamilton's answer]