LEWIS HAMILTON has set the record straight on his comments towards his teammate Valtteri Bottas AND Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
After Max Verstappen’s win in Mexico, Hamilton – and his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff – questioned how the Dutchman was allowed so much space by Bottas going into turn one.
Verstappen swooped around both Mercedes cars into the lead and he did not look back and while Hamilton finished second, Bottas was left out of the points.
However, Hamilton has cleared up his comments towards Bottas, who will leave the team at the end of the season.
Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “We all have bad days. We live and we learn.
“Yesterday I said that VB [Bottas] left the door open and naturally people will jump to criticise.
“We are a team and we win and lose as a team. There is not one single person responsible for winning or losing, we do it together good or bad.
“You may be able to beat us but you can’t break us! On to the next one Valtteri, let’s keep pushing bro.”
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Hamilton also posted about his remarks towards Perez, the Mexican who finished in third place.
After the race Hamilton said: “When you’ve got Checo [Perez] on your tail, then you know the car is quick.”
However, Hamilton says that was not meant to be a criticism of Perez.
He added: “Just want to make sure people don’t read what I was saying wrong yesterday.
“I have a lot of respect for Perez, and think he’s doing a great job in his new team.
“He’s improved so much this season and I know how hard it is to progress with a new team, it takes time.
“My comment was simply that following another car in Mexico is the hardest thing due to the low drag we all have.
“That’s why there is very little over taking (sic). However, he was able to follow so closely which highlights just how much more downforce they were able to carry.
“Big up Checo for keeping it clean.”
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
