Lewis Hamilton demands respect after Max Verstappen’s ‘stupid idiot’ jibe

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has demanded more respect from his fellow drivers after Max Verstappen called him a 'stupid idiot' at the United States Grand Prix.

When competing at intense speeds for the biggest of prizes, emotions can often boil over with all sorts of expletives and comments being heard from drivers as they head around the track.

Most recently title rivals Verstappen and Hamilton were seen in an altercation of their own during US Grand Prix practice last weekend, after the Englishman over took his Red Bull rival in a close shave leading to the Dutchman calling him a 'stupid idiot' after he was forced off the track.

Following a number of recent explosions over radio, the seven-time world champion believes it is time he and his fellow drivers show more respect with their language when competing.

He commented: "I’ve been here for a long time, it’s not my first rodeo. I think at the core of everything, there has to be respect.

"When I think about, and I hear the things that come out of drivers' mouths, I do think there are kids watching us, and they're looking to us for inspiration and for guidance."

He added: "For me, I’m just trying to remain positive and keep calm, and again, just be respectful to the drivers that I am fighting.

"If I have a name in my head of what I think they are, I don't share that. But it's pretty easy for me. You laugh it off, and you move forwards."

Hamilton finds himself in somewhat unfamiliar territory this campaign having dominated the Formula One circuit in recent years, winning five of the last six world championships.

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Things this year though have proved much more difficult and he now finds himself out of pole position in second, 12 points behind standings leader Verstappen with five races to go.

The pair will resume their battle this weekend in Mexico City for the Mexican Grand Prix, and the Englishman knows it could well be now or never if he is to clinch his fifth title in a row.

Despite the mounting pressure, the Mercedes man believes this week's track could well suit opponent Verstappen and his Red Bull car.

Hamilton commented: "We did win last time but that was only because Max made a mistake and got a penalty. Otherwise, they were much quicker than us. So we expect that it will be very similar this weekend."

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