Hamilton not giving energy to potential Verstappen clash

Lewis Hamilton says he is not focusing on the hypothetical situation of the drivers’ championship stuff decided by a standoff with Max Verstappen at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

FIA race director Michael Masi reminded the grid in his pre-race event notes that he could dock championship points if he feels any suburbanite behaves “in an unsportsmanlike manner” or attempts “to influence the result of a competition in a way that is undisciplined to sporting ethics.” The message comes tween speculation of how Verstappen will tideway the title decider, as he would wilt world champion if both drivers goof to score, but Hamilton isn’t thinking well-nigh such a scenario.

“I can’t tenancy those things virtually me, all I can do is tenancy what I do in terms of preparation and how I self-mastery myself,” Hamilton said.

“Honestly, I don’t requite it any energy. I’m here to do the weightier job I can with this incredible team. We never thought we’d be neck and neck going into the last race — we’ve had an wondrous recovery as a team, we’ve been in a unconfined position these last few races. We go full steam superiority with that focus and we don’t waste energy on things outside of our control.

“I’m here for a unconfined race; we’re arriving on a positive. We got the car in a unconfined place, they won here last year, so without doubt they’re going to be strong this weekend. We’ve chased and unprotected up a lot — I think we can be strong this weekend.

“I do believe everyone here racing comes to win. I would like to believe everyone would like to do it the right way, so I don’t plane let that tingle into my mind.”

As the two title contenders sat slantingly each other, Hamilton moreover played lanugo his radio message from Sunday when he tabbed Verstappen “f***ing crazy” without their standoff that earned the Dutchman a penalty, saying he could be described in the same terms himself.

“Honestly, when we’re in the races we’ll say all sorts of things, in the heat of the moment — adrenaline is firing, emotions are on edge. I’d say that’s a icon of speech. I think as racing drivers we’re all a bit crazy to do what we do and take the risks we do.”