Lewis Hamilton has found a surprise ally in world title rival Felipe Massa as he comes under-fire for his aggressive driving style.

Robert Kubica, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Mark Webber, Jarno Trulli, and today Flavio Briatore, have all lined up over the past few days to have their say about McLaren driver Hamilton.

It leaves the 23-year-old facing not only a fight to cling onto his five-point lead over Massa, but also one to protect his reputation.

Yet Massa can appreciate how, with the title on the line, an aggressive attitude can occasionally be the right way to go.

"That is Lewis," said Massa, who knows Hamilton can become champion on Sunday if the Briton wins the Chinese Grand Prix and he finishes no higher than fifth.

"That is his personality - to be aggressive and to always be over-confident.

"It doesn't mean he cannot be good, cannot be competitive or cannot be strong because of that.

"Everybody knows he is very strong and these things, in many races, have given him a lot of points.

"Sometimes we have seen that an aggressive style helps a lot, but then we have also seen many times it does not help.

"I have had some races this season where I have been very, very aggressive and had a good result at the end of the day, same with Lewis.

"Then there have been some races where I have not been aggressive, but it was the right thing to do at that moment.

"That is the way I think, and whether you have an aggressive style or not, it doesn't change anything.

"It can maybe be good or bad, but you only know at the end of the race, you never know before."

Given the general feeling of antipathy towards Hamilton within the paddock, it is unsurprising the majority of drivers are currently rooting for Massa.

That leaves the 27-year-old from Sao Paulo a little embarrassed, but grateful all the same for the show of support from his peers.

"It makes me feel proud," said Massa, smiling.

"I always respect other drivers, and I always respect everyone who is racing against me. That is the way I am, the way I do my job.

"When you are in F1 you can never underestimate your competitors because everyone knows what they are doing, they are all strong, and they all won something before.

"That is why I think respect is the most important thing for the other drivers."