Hamilton: Verstappen comments a 'sign of weakness'

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Lewis Hamilton says he'll stick to his usual habit of doing his talking on the track, hitting back at recent comments made by young rival Max Verstappen.

Verstappen and Red Bull Racing aim to give Hamilton and Mercedes more than a run for their money this season and thwart the six-time world champion's plans to equal Michael Schumacher's record seven titles.

The determined Dutchman went on record recently, claiming that "maybe God is with Hamilton, but he's not God".

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During Mercedes' unveiling of its W11 Silver Arrow at Silverstone on Friday morning, Hamilton responded to Verstappen's gibe with a dig of his own.

"I find it funny seeing that," he said. "I’ve always known to do my talking on the track. Often I tend to see that [Max's comments] as a sign of weakness."

Despite the high stakes associated with the upcoming season and the prospect of winning his seventh title, Hamilton insisted it was business as usual as far as he was concerned.

"At this time of year you don’t really feel the pressure, it’s about having some fun," said the 35-year-old F1 star.

"You are focused but it’s really about enjoying the moment. The guys have worked so hard to put the car together and there’s only two of us that get to drive it, so it’s pretty incredible.

"This is my eighth year at the team and the buzz is the same every year. Everyone couldn’t be more excited, enthusiastic, or driven.

"I would say the most impressive thing is that because we’ve had the success, it would be quite easy for them to be laid back.

"Everyone is super focused, there’s been so much work that’s been done in the background to make sure that today runs smoothly and I think everyone is excited at this stage, refreshed, revamped and ready for the challenge that is ahead."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.