Lewis Hamilton on collision course with Max Verstappen
Verstappen says it is wrong for the sport to change the rules mid-season
F 1 legend Lewis Hamilton is on a collision course with Max Verstappen in the latest row over Formula 1's bouncing problem.
Hamilton has been outspoken on this year's new rules which have caused some cars to bounce on the ground when they reach top speed.
F1's governing body have responded and are set to introduce fresh technical rules on the grounds of safety because the bouncing is so violent drivers cannot see where they are going.
But championship leader Verstappen says it is wrong for the sport to change the rules mid-season.
However, in response - seemingly to Verstappen's comments - Hamilton snapped back accusing some drivers of changing their tune in public.
Verstappen was quizzed about the FIA's potential rule change and said: "Rule changes in the middle of the year, I don't think it is correct.
"I understand the safety part of it but if you talk to every engineer in the paddock, if you raise your car you will have less issues.
"You are going to try and find the limit of what your body can cope with for performance but I don't think it is correct for them to intervene and start applying these rules.
"It is very simple, just go up on ride height and you won't have these issues."
But Hamilton, who was next to be asked, replied: "It is always interesting seeing people's perspective and opinions in different lights.
"Obviously in front of you it is one thing and in the background sometimes people say different things.
"Ultimately safety is the most important thing and at least one driver in every team has spoken on it.
"It is not about coping with the bouncing for the next few years, it is about completely getting rid of it and fixing it so that all of us don't have back problems."
Hamilton's teammate, George Russell, says the bouncing row has caused a political battle between F1's teams driven by performance rather than safety.
He said: "There is obviously a lot of mixed agendas from different teams and drivers.
"We heard from Carlos Sainz, Sergio Perez and Max earlier in the season and how bad it has been.
"But now their performance is strong, they don't want changes because it can only hinder them.
"So it is a bit of a shame to see performance being prioritised over safety."
Meanwhile, Hamilton claims he is coming into this weekend's Canadian GP shorter because of the bouncing he experienced last weekend in Baku.
Hamilton, who has undergone extensive physio on his back to be fit for this weekend, said: "Putting the technical stuff aside, just to reiterate, I cannot stress more how important health is.
"We have got an amazing sport here but safety has to be paramount, it has to be the most important thing.
"I can definitely feel that I am a little bit shorter this week and my discs are definitely not in the best shape right now and that is not good for longevity."