“There’s no room for that sort of abuse but if I have to be on the receiving end of that in this industry for people to become aware, then that’s part of my journey.”
Last season, Hamilton was critical of his fellow drivers and the sport for being silent around the Black Lives Matter movement at the height of the protests against social injustice.
It prompted a few to speak out against racism and many continue to take the knee as part of their pre-race anti-descrimination messages alongside Hamilton.
The reigning world champion was also quizzed on his crash and rivalry with Verstappen and said that wheel-to-wheel racing was a positive thing for the sport.
“In terms of the move, I’d do it exactly how I’d done it in the past.
“I remember when I first started watching, particularly watching footage, but at the time it was just exciting. I have no idea whether it [rivalry] was good or bad for the sport.
“Today, I think, just like growing up, wheel-to-wheel racing was always the best, from karting. The most exciting part of motor sport is when you see close racing. We’re now seeing two teams incredibly close on performance. If there’s more people watching then that tells you all you need to know.”