Having already sealed the 2017 Formula 1 world championship, Lewis Hamilton has suggested that he is open to supporting team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the final two rounds of the season.
Bottas, who currently sits third in the standings, has an opportunity to beat Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel to second place in the championship. Bottas currently trails Vettel by 15 points.
If Vettel finished the season second, it would mark the first time in the hybrid era that Mercedes’ drivers have not placed first and second in the final standings.
Hamilton, who clinched his fourth world championship title at the last race in Mexico, suggested that he would be willing to help his team-mate if requested.
“If the team asks me, then for sure,” he said.
“But I don’t think they are going to ask. Valtteri wants to get it on merit. He has been working hard throughout the year and is focused more than ever, so I know he wants to do it on his own.
“My mentality for the last two races is to win – and I have not been told otherwise.”
Leading up to the Brazilian Grand Prix, Mercedes has hinted that they will experiment with concepts looking ahead to next season. The team has pledged to “become a little bolder” with both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles confirmed.
“To be honest I have not spoken with the team about that so far,” Hamilton admitted. “But I doubt that there is going to be much new on the car.
“During the year you put new things on the car permanently, so I guess it will not be significantly more in the last two races.
“If it’s good for next year, why shouldn’t it be good for now? Whatever makes the car faster is appreciated.”
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