Formula One's race director, Michael Masi, has countered Lewis Hamilton's suggestions that the sport's governing body, the FIA, is attempting to hold him back.
Hamilton's chances of victory at Sunday's Russian Grand Prix were dealt a critical blow when he was given two five-second penalties for completing practice starts away from the designated area ahead of the race. Hamilton described the penalties as "ridiculous" and when asked if they were too harsh, said: "Of course it is, and it is to be expected. They are trying to stop me."
Asked to clarify his remarks at a press conference after the race, Hamilton said he felt as though his Mercedes team had been subject to extra scrutiny because of its success this year.