Silverstone, England - Lewis Hamilton has hit back at criticism from Max Verstappen, calling the Dutchman’s comments "a sign of weakness".
The Briton, 35, has won five of the last six world titles, and will match Michael Schumacher’s record seven championships if he extends that run this season.
But Verstappen, 22, recently said that was only down to Hamilton’s Mercedes car.
Speaking at the Silverstone launch of the Silver Arrows’ 2020 machine recently, Hamilton said: "I find it funny. I have always been known to do my talking on the track, so I tend to see that as a sign of weakness.
"At this time of the year you don’t feel any pressure. You are focused but it is about enjoying the moment."
Hamilton’s £40 million-a-year (R784m) deal with Mercedes expires at the end of the year but, after Ferrari distanced itself from a move for him this week, Hamilton was positive about signing a new contract.
"It is a real privilege to be wanted to stay and to be part of a great team," he said. "That is a great feeling, and I hope I can continue to help to contribute to the team’s success.
"Every year I am trying to improve, take a step up, refine the game and the mental approach. That is the real challenge. But I have a great team that I get to work with and every year we are extracting more from each other.
"This is my eighth year driving for Mercedes and the buzz is the same."
Hamilton returns to action at the first of two three-day pre-season tests in Barcelona on Wednesday.