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Lewis Hamilton says he doesn’t want to win the championship using unfair tactics, as even if that means he doesn’t win, he will “at least” keep his dignity.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s 2021 title battle has turned ugly on-track at Silverstone and Monza, when they collided, but also off-track when Red Bull launched an attack on Lewis’ character and sporting integrity.
Asked if he would ever resort to unfair tactics in the battle, Lewis was adamant it was not his way of doing things.
“There’s never ever a question about that,” Hamilton told De Telegraaf.
“I would never want to win in that way. Even if it means I don’t become World Champion, then at least I keep my dignity.
“I want to win the right way and I’ll do everything I can together with the team to do that.”
“I love racing, I love fighting for the championship and, of course, at the end of the year that’s what I’ve been working for.
“So you can’t say you are not going to be disappointed if you don’t achieve what you are trying to achieve with the group of people you are trying to achieve it with.
“But also I cannot forget the positive things that have happened. There are a lot of positives to take from this year, and I think hopefully there will be some more moving forward. It’s been a hell of year.”
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Despite their battles, Lewis says his relationship with Verstappen is still respectful.
“It hasn’t changed. We always try to be respectful to each other. After the crash at Monza we both had our say with the stewards and that’s quite normal.
“After Max’s crash at Silverstone I called him. Max didn’t do that after Monza. It wasn’t necessary either.
“I don’t want to be condescending, [but] I’m much older now. For me, it was important to call after Silverstone and break the ice. I wouldn’t have done that when I was 25.
“I have no hostile feelings towards him. Max is a huge talent and I enjoy racing together. Whether I agree with everything he does doesn’t matter.
“It’s not my job to direct others. Max has a father who is also a former racing driver.
“Whatever happens, at the end of the season we’ll shake each other’s hand and next year we’ll fight each other on the track again,” concluded the Briton.
