Seven years into his F1 career, Lewis Hamilton thinks he is now mature enough to handle any teammate.<\/p>\n
Before switching to Mercedes for 2013, the long-time former McLaren driver expressed interest in joining Red Bull, whose Sebastian Vettel has won the world championship three times on the trot.<\/p>\n
But back in 2007, Briton Hamilton fell out spectacularly with his then teammate Fernando Alonso.<\/p>\n
Dr Helmut Marko, now grappling with the disintegrating relationship between Vettel and Mark Webber, said it’s simply a problem when two “alpha dogs” clash.<\/p>\n
But Hamilton told the Daily Mail: “Now I’m older, I’m sure we would have a different relationship.”<\/p>\n
Referring to himself and Spaniard Alonso, he added: “There would still be intense moments because we are both quick, so we would be very close to each other, but we’ve both matured a lot.<\/p>\n
“I think I’m much better at nurturing relationships between teammates now.\u00a0 It depends on the drivers.<\/p>\n
“Put Sebastian with Fernando Alonso and the team would be in trouble straight away, the chemistry would just … (Hamilton whistles).<\/p>\n
“You know, I even think I could drive with Sebastian,” Hamilton mused.\u00a0 “I just wouldn’t turn the engine down.”<\/p>\n
No longer under the control of McLaren supremo Ron Dennis or his father Anthony, Hamilton also says he has learned to cope with criticism.<\/p>\n
A good example is the last few months, when Sir Jackie Stewart initially slammed Hamilton’s move to Mercedes, and then tipped the 28-year-old as a title favourite for 2013.<\/p>\n
“I think I’ve definitely developed a thicker skin,” said Hamilton.<\/p>\n
“At the start, it’s easier to get stung.\u00a0 I’m more consistent now because my mental strength has improved.\u00a0 So when Jackie Stewart talks about me, I just laugh it off.<\/p>\n
“Some people are nosey, or they’ve nothing better to do.\u00a0 They’re entitled to their opinions, but Jackie talks a lot.”<\/p>\n
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