Lewis Hamilton denies disrespecting media

Lewis Hamilton has denied deliberately disrespecting the assembled media ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Throughout the official FIA press conference, the world champion played on his phone, uploading a series of 'snaps' to social media platform Snapchat and using swear words to declare his boredom.

Faced with criticism for his behaviour, the Mercedes driver later said on Twitter: "Today was meant to be fun, not at all disrespectful. Some people take themselves too seriously."

Some people had wondered whether Hamilton's antics were simply diversionary tactics, having triggered a post-Malaysian Grand Prix storm by insinuating that Mercedes are sabotaging his championship campaign.