Hamilton explains defence of Vettel

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton has explained the reasons for his strong defence of second-placed Sebastian Vettel, saying that the media should show the German "more respect".

It's been a season of costly individual errors, that is now verly close to, gifting the Mercedes driver a fifth world title.

The title race between Hamilton and Vettel was a lot closer midway through the season, with the duo sharing the lead at various points, but six wins from seven grands prix for the former, means he can win it in Austin this weekend.

Despite Vettel and Ferrari's somewhat disappointing second-half of the season; Hamilton has been very respectful of the four-time world champion.

"I think if I was in the same position, he would do the same thing," Hamilton said referring to Vettel, who is an excellent sportsman. "As drivers, we are all members of the GPDA and I think we all need to stick together.

"The respect that we have for one another is probably the greatest it's been for many years - at least in the years I've been in Formula One. I just think, ultimately, as a four-time world champion, it is the most intense year that we've had.

"Every hiccup is magnified, naturally, as it perhaps does in any sport at the top. But there have been many times where I've been in the firing range and Seb's always been really respectful and supported me, so I thought it was only right to do just the same," Hamilton concluded.