May 5 (GMM) It is Lewis Hamilton's existing "image" that has depicted him as an overly aggressive driver, according to FIA president Jean Todt.

Addressing Spanish media on Tuesday, the Frenchman was asked about the McLaren driver's behaviour in the Shanghai pitlane two weeks ago, following several other incidents so far in 2010.

Hamilton is still very unpopular within Spain, and Todt noted that the 25-year-old "has an image that is perhaps more unfavourable than others due to his coexistence with Alonso" at McLaren in 2007.

The Frenchman then refused to answer when asked if Hamilton is treated preferentially by the FIA.

"In the (China) pitlane, it was not just Hamilton but Vettel was also there," said Todt. "I don't know if you can say he is any different in terms of behaviour than the others, and it is the stewards who must decide."

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