Seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton has back-pedalled on Instagram following him criticising his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas on Sunday.
After locking out the front row of the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton was furious that his Championship rival, Max Verstappen, was able to overtake both Silver Arrows and take the lead of the race into the first corner.
Hamilton not-so-subtlety suggested that Bottas should have done more to block the Red Bull from passing them into Turn One.
“He left the door open for Max, and Max was on the racing line so did a mega job braking into Turn 1,” Hamilton said.
Continuing, he explained: “Because I was on the inside on the dirt, there was no hope for me.”
Hamilton has since clarified his comments on Instagram in a story post.
“We all have bad days. We live and we learn,” Hamilton wrote.
“Yesterday I said that vb [Valtteri Bottas] left the door open and naturally people will jump to criticise. We are a team, and we win and we lose as a team.
“There is not one single person responsible for winning or losing, we do it together good or bad.”
Hamilton concluded his statement with a warning to Mercedes’ rivals:
“You may be able to beat us but you can’t break us! Onto the next one Valtteri, let’s keep pushing bro.”
Hamilton also felt the need to clarify comments he made about Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.
In a post-race interview, Hamilton said that “when you’ve got Checo [Sergio Perez] on your tail then you know their car is quick.”
This statement was interpreted by some as an insult to Perez.
Explaining his remark, Hamilton said that he has “respect for Sergio and think he’s doing a great job in his new team.”
Continuing, he wrote: “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.
“However, he was able to follow closely which highlights just how much more downforce they were able to carry. Big up Checo for keeping it clean.”
Hamilton heads to Brazil this week with a lot of work ahead of him, as he trails Verstappen by 19 points.
However, the inclusion of Sprint Qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix means that there are an extra three points on offer.
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