Rival’s comments show ‘weakness’ – Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has labelled Max Verstappen’s apparent failure to recognise his achievements as a sign of weakness.

Hamilton, 35, will this year bid to match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships.

The British star has dominated Formula One in recent years, winning five of the last six titles.

But Verstappen, the 22-year-old Dutchman who could prove Hamilton’s fiercest challenger this season, has attributed much of that success to his rival’s Mercedes car.

The Silver Arrows have won the past six drivers’ and constructors’ championships, a record in the sport.

“I find it funny,” said Hamilton when asked about Verstappen’s comments.

“I have always been known to do my talking on the track, so I tend to see that (criticism) as a sign of weakness.”

Hamilton, 13 years older than Red Bull driver Verstappen, was speaking as his Mercedes team unveiled their new car at Silverstone in a low-key launch yesterday.

Hamilton has entered the final 12 months of his current £40 million-ayear deal with Mercedes.

But, after Ferrari seemingly distanced themselves from a move for the six-time world champion at their car launch in Italy earlier this week, the signs are that Hamilton will sign a contract extension.

“It is a real privilege to be wanted to stay and to be part of a great team,” added Hamilton.

“That is a great feeling and I hope I can continue to help to contribute to the team’s success.”

With only minor tweaks to the sport’s technical rulebook over the winter, Hamilton will start as the favourite to match Schumacher’s tally of titles this year.

He is also just seven victories shy of the German’s win record of 91.

The new F1 season gets under way in Melbourne on March 15.