Lewis Hamilton has addressed his comments regarding Sergio Perez, and said that he wasn’t taking a dig at him at all.
Hamilton and Perez were the protagonists of the main battle of the Mexican GP. Perez was much faster on the day, and was on his tail throughout.
The home race hero was backed by a rowdy crowd, and Hamilton’s rear-view mirror was filled with his Red Bull for most of the race. However, the resolute seven-time world champion held on for his life, and came away with a narrow second place.
After the race, Hamilton was quizzed regarding the overwhelming pace of his Mexican counterpart. He told reporters that Red Bull was quicker because he could see Perez of all people behind him.
This didn’t sit well with fans, with many accusing the Mercedes driver of mocking Perez. In response, Hamilton addressed his comments regarding Perez, and said that he had no bad intentions.
“I have a lot of respect for (Perez), and think he’s doing a great job in his new team,” he said, as quoted by The West Australia.
“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 overtaking.
“However, he was able to follow so closely which highlights just how much more downforce they were able to carry,” he concluded.
Stubborn defending
Perez was gunning for second place, and probably would have gotten it were it not for Hamilton’s stubborn and masterful defending.
Had the race gone on for one or two laps more, Checo would have overtaken Hamilton.
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