LEWIS HAMILTON sent a clear message to title rival Max Verstappen ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton has won the last three F1 races and is level on points with the Red Bull man coming into the season finale.
The two came to blows last time out in the Saudi Arabian GP – the third time they have clashed on track this season.
Hamilton arrived in the paddock wearing a purple outfit – with the words “F*** off” on the back.
Incredibly, the Brit claims he was unaware the words were written on the back saying: “It is just a coincidence, I didn’t make the jumper. As I was putting it on I literally saw the message on the back.”
quizzed Hamilton if he could trust Verstappen following their latest coming together in Jeddah, earning Verstappen a 10-second penalty.
He added: “I do believe that everyone here racing comes to win. I would like to believe everyone wants to do it the right way. I don’t even let that creep into my mind.
“Honestly, I don’t give it any energy, I’m here to do the best job I can with this incredible team.
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“We go full steam ahead with the same focus and we don’t waste energy on things that are out of our control.”
Meanwhile, FIA Race Director, Michael Masi, has warned both drivers that he will deduct championship points for any unsporting behaviour this weekend.
While the rule has always been in existence, the last time it was applied in such controversial circumstances was in 1997 when Michael Schumacher tried to take out Jacques Villeneuve.
The German was subsequently penalised, handing the title to the Canadian.
And Hamilton says he was interested to see the stewards flag up the ruling ahead of his crunch showdown with Verstappen when they usually don’t feel the need to.
He said: “Firstly, I think it has happened in the past obviously. I’m sure the stewards haven’t taken the precautions they have this time around.
“I think it is fair that they do it and hopefully they won’t need to be used and we have a great race.
“I am here to do my job and I don’t want to see the stewards any more than they need to see me!”
Verstappen added: “I know what is in the sporting codes, I don’t think we need reminding of that.”
