Lewis Hamilton has warned he would quit Formula One if he was forced to changing his racing style.
Under-fire Briton has no intention of changing his style
Lewis Hamilton has warned he would quit Formula One if he was forced to changing his racing style.
The 26-year-old endured a difficult weekend at the Monaco GP, having received drive-through penalties for attempting to barge his way past Felipe Massa and Pastor Maldonado.
Hamilton then had to face the stewards again after he voiced his frustrations post-race, describing the punishments as "a frickin' joke".
It is the fifth time in six races Hamilton had been hauled before stewards, and he compounded matters by attempting to joke that the reason for his repeat visits was "maybe because I'm black".
Hamilton immediately stated it is "what Ali G says", but the Briton was forced to apologise for the ill-advised remarks.
But despite the recent issues, Hamilton has no intention of changing who he is on track, otherwise it may signal the end of his F1 career.
"In all honesty I will never stop racing the way I do. It's the way I do it," said Hamilton.
Passion
"That's what got me here, it is the way I am. I don't do it to offend people or to hurt anyone. I do it because I love racing, and I feel like I can do it better than others.
"If it ever comes to a stage where I had to pull back and just cruise around, that would not excite me and I probably wouldn't stay around for that.
"I am here to race and win. If I have to lose that passion then it blows all racing."
However, Hamilton has taken the opportunity to apologise to both Massa and Maldonado for his post-race comments towards them.
The McLaren driver had labelled his rivals "ridiculous" and was adamant that the collisions were their fault for purposefully turning in on him.
But has now said on
Twitter: "To Massa and Maldonado, with the greatest respect I apologise if I offended you. Both of you are fantastic drivers who I regard highly."
Hamilton now insists that the best way for him to move on from the Monte Carlo controversy is to win the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, and close the 57-point chasm to runaway leader Sebastian Vettel.
"I will recover from the weekend," said Hamilton.
"It is a big gap, but I will focus on the best job I can and not on Sebastian.
"He has kind of gone, but there is a lot of races, lots can happen, and rather than chase him, I will continue to chase points and the championship.
"If my luck eventually turns and things do start coming, who knows?"
