Lewis Hamilton not faking it!

Lewis Hamilton; (right) Max Verstappen. Pics/Getty Images

Lewis Hamilton on Thursday dismissed rivals' suggestions that he exaggerated his injuries after the Italian Grand Prix and said he used acupuncture and yoga to recover for this weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

Hamilton also suggested that Max Verstappen could be feeling the pressure of chasing a first title.

Lucky escape

Hamilton, a seven-time champion, escaped from his damaged Mercedes at Monza 11 days ago after Verstappen's Red Bull landed on his cockpit. Hamilton said he had a sore neck and headaches after his car's halo protection system saved his life and that he had been fortunate not to be seriously injured or worse.

Briton, 36, stressed that he remained confident that he and the Dutchman, who is five points ahead in the title race, could compete in a hard, but fair and professional manner.

Hamilton dismissed claims by Red Bull's director Helmut Marko that he and Mercedes had put on a show at Monza before the defending champion flew to New York to attend the Met Gala the following day.

Unfazed by criticism

"I don't really listen to what these individuals talk about," he said. "I mean, it is natural when a car lands on your head you are going to have some discomfort. I didn't say I was dying," he said, adding that he was "aware of the fact that in just a millisecond anything can happen so [I am] grateful to come out of it not badly injured. We move on. I definitely felt some pain after the race and I said I was going to get it checked out."

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