Hamilton: "I don't want to be the number one driver in the team"

Lewis Hamilton claims he doesn't want to be the number one driver within the Mercedes team. The British driver asked for exactly the same material and opportunities as his teammate when he joined in 2013. This comes after Max Verstappen said Hamilton's achievements aren't realistic because he hasn't had the best of teammates. 

In a conversation with the Swiss newspaper Blick, Hamilton states: "When I joined Mercedes in 2013, I immediately said that I didn't want to be number one. I just wanted the same material and the same opportunities as my teammate. That is still my mental orientation today."

The now five-time world champion made the move of his life away from McLaren. At the time, it was a bit of a surprise but it turns out to have been the successful option. He explains his decision. 

"I left the second most successful team in the history of Formula 1 for a newcomer with fewer people and little success. I wanted to build something new," Hamilton added. 

"If it gets harder, I'll be there. If I fight with Vettel, Kimi or Valtteri, it's always respectful and honest. The young wild drivers are different, but I am ready for everyone."