Lewis Hamilton has offered some clarity after snapping back at his old rival Fernando Alonso on social media.
The seven-time world champion took a swipe at the Spaniard at the weekend, posting a thumbs-up emoji to accompany a photo of himself standing on the top step of a podium next to Alonso during their McLaren days.
That was in response to comments made by the 41-year-old regarding Hamilton's world titles. In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Alonso had suggested the Brit's titles had "less value" than the one won by Max Verstappen at the end of their almighty title fight last season.
"This year Max is very dominant and he could cruise to the world title," said the Alpine racer. "Last season it was different. I thought he performed better than Lewis in the end and therefore I think he is a worthy champion.
"I also have a lot of respect for Lewis. However, it is different when you win seven world titles when you have only had to fight with your team-mate. Then, I think a championship has less value than when you have fewer titles, but against other drivers you have had to contend with equivalent or even better equipment.
"In 2005 and 2006, I had a good start to the year myself and was able to create a lead. Then others might have had a better car, but I was able to manage that gap. I never had to fight with my teammate to win those titles. Nor did I see Max fighting with [Sergio] Perez or [Alex] Albon to win races.
"But Schumacher in particular fought with his teammate to become champion five times in a row and Hamilton fought with [Nico] Rosberg and [Valtteri] Bottas. That's different, I think."
Expanding on his simple response, Hamilton told reporters he felt he had made his point with the simple thumbs-up gesture. "I don't really have a lot to say about it. It does make me giggle a little bit to be honest," he said.
"I have tried to be really respectful over the years and for example, when you've ever asked me about who has been the better driver for me I've always tried to give praise, but it's definitely interesting to see the comments that are made, but it doesn't really matter. So that's why I just kind of put the thumbs up."
