Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments he gave regarding Red Bull’s Sergio Perez following last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
In the latter stages of the race, Hamilton was being chased by Perez, who had fresher Hard tyres compared to the seven-time World Champion.
Perez carved into the gap that Hamilton possessed, but couldn’t get close enough to launch an overtake attempt.
Speaking to media after the race, Hamilton stated: “When you’ve got Sergio up behind you like that, you know the car is fast.”
Hamilton has asserted that his comment didn’t mean he thinks Perez is a weak driver – rather, it was directed at how difficult it is to follow another car around the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
“Just want to make sure people don’t read what I was saying wrong yesterday,” Hamilton wrote on social media.
“I have a lot of respect for Sergio and I 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 overtaking. 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.”
Hamilton ended the race in second place behind title rival Max Verstappen, with the latter holding a 19-point advantage in the championship with four races remaining in the 2021 campaign.
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