Charles Leclerc says he will simply adapt if his controversial move on Lewis Hamilton at Monza triggers a reaction from the Briton.
The world champion admitted some surprise that the Monegasque was only shown the black and white flag after pushing him slightly off track in the braking zone as they battled for the lead in Italy.
Leclerc though denied that response was a sign that his manoeuvre had rattled Hamilton.
“I don’t think Lewis is concerned because he is very strong mentally and I don’t think I have made him concerned,” he said on Thursday.
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“In Austria fighting with Max in that way and to see the Stewards’ decision I was surprised and then I changed my approach.
“Maybe it will be exactly the same with Lewis, maybe he was expecting a penalty at that time and maybe he might change his approach from now on because he can see that we can race harder. I don’t know, the next few races will tell us the answer.”
Asked then if he was expecting Hamilton to drive differently the next time the pair battle, the Ferrari driver admits it will depend on the scenario.
“I’ll adapt to the situation, he might be a bit more aggressive but it [Singapore] might not be the best track to see that because overtakes here are not happening very often. Maybe in the few races that are left.
For his part, Hamilton insisted after Monza that he had no issue with Leclerc over what happened, and as for whether he’s happy to up the ante?
“I’m down for hard racing,” he told Sky Sports.
