Lewis Hamilton has insisted he harbours no hostility towards Max Verstappen, as the two drivers compete for the Formula One title.
The Mercedes veteran has collided with his Red Bull counterpart on two occasions this season, first at Silverstone and then at Monza - the latter of which saw both drivers left unable to compete the race.
Just five points separate Hamilton from Verstappen, who is looking to end the Brit's dominance in Formula One and hand Milton Keynes-based Red Bull their first driver's championship crown since Sebastian Vettel in 2013.
Since then, Mercedes have dominated with seven consecutive wins but a rivalry with Red Bull has been brewing this season and led to clashes - but Hamilton has no ill-feeling for his rival.
"When you are around people and you are in hostile scenarios, and when they are around you, they are one way with you and they are different when you are not around," he told ESPN.
"I don’t hold any hostility against him. I feel he’s a tremendous talent and I’m enjoying racing with him. Me and Max, when we have seen each other after the race, I have always tried to be respectful whether he is first or he’s behind me.
"I don’t feel like it’s changed. I always try to make sure I go over to him and it doesn’t feel any different to me. Do I agree with everything he does? It doesn’t even matter. All I can control is what I do and how I handle things."
Hamilton added that he has spoken to Verstappen on the phone this season following their incidents to clear the air, saying: "I called him after Silverstone, but again - I don’t mean to be patronising - but I’m much older.
"It was important for me to call and to be able to break the ice. I wouldn’t have been able to do that when I was 25.
"Of course, we sat in the stewards’ office the other day [in Monza] and it wasn’t hostile. He gave his point of view, and I gave my point of view."